FIFA World Cup 2026: Paying fans to be allowed at final pre-match press conference

New Jersey [US], July 16 (ANI): FIFA is set to hold the ongoing World Cup 2026 final news conference in front of a paying audience, with fans required to spend more than USD 80 for access to watch the coaches and players from the two finalists, along with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, discuss Sunday's match in New Jersey, according to ESPN.
While Spain is the confirmed finalist after they eliminated France in the semifinals, one of Argentina or England will face La Roja in the summit clash.
Notably, FIFA is permitting a limited number of fans to attend the World Cup 2026 final news conference at New York City's Javits Center on Friday while also removing the traditional pre-match day news conference held the day before the game.
The news conference is being organised by FIFA's commercial partner, Fanatics, as part of its four-day Fanatics Fest event, which will also give fans the opportunity to pay for autographs and photos with sports celebrities.
While a four-day family pass is priced at USD 857.04, an adult ticket for Friday's news conference costs USD 81.54.
According to ESPN, coaches and players from the two finalists are expected to appear at the event, although fans will only be allowed to watch and will not have the opportunity to ask questions.
Turning to the football action, Spain secured a dominant 2-0 win over France in the first semifinal of the FIFA World Cup 2026, booking their place in the tournament final for only the second time in their history.
Forward Mikel Oyarzabal broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after French defender Lucas Digne was penalised for a heavy challenge on Spanish star Lamine Yamal. Fullback Pedro Porro then doubled Spain's advantage, finishing calmly into the bottom corner after a superb flicked through-ball from midfielder Dani Olmo to complete the victory.
Spain will face the winner of the second semifinal between Argentina and England in the final. (ANI)