Nathan Hackett / Wall Street Journal / How FIFA’s Biggest World Cup Unleashed a Summer of Price Gouging

Nathan Hackett was commissioned by The Wall Street Journal to create an editorial illustration for an article examining FIFA’s controversial ticket pricing and fan costs in the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The feature explores concerns over the commercialization of international football, highlighting how rising ticket prices, hospitality packages, and associated expenses have made the tournament increasingly inaccessible to many supporters. The article argues that what should be a global celebration of football, unity, and international competition has instead become an event largely shaped by those able to pay the highest prices.

To visually capture this theme, Nathan illustrated MetLife Stadium—one of the key venues for the FIFA World Cup 2026—overflowing with money while American football fans watch from the sidelines. The concept serves as a powerful metaphor for the growing influence of profit and commercialization in modern sports.

The illustration combines conceptual storytelling with sharp editorial commentary, reinforcing the article’s examination of FIFA, World Cup ticket pricing, fan accessibility, sports business, and the economics of major international sporting events.