Former U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed surprise and disapproval over the high ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, particularly for the United States national team’s opening match.
Speaking to the New York Post, Trump suggested government intervention might be warranted to address the costs.
The USA is scheduled to face Paraguay on June 12, 2026, in Inglewood, California, for their first fixture of the expanded tournament. However, attending the highly anticipated match could come at a significant cost for fans.
According to reports, the cheapest tickets currently available present a steep barrier:
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- On the official FIFA sales website, the lowest price is $1940 (1650 euros).
- On the FIFA resale platform, the cheapest available ticket stands at $1150 (980 euros).
Upon learning of these figures, Trump, quoted by PAP, admitted, “I didn’t know about that.” He further stated his personal reluctance to pay such amounts, adding, “I’d like to be there, but honestly, I wouldn’t pay that much.” His comments highlight growing concerns about the accessibility of the global spectacle for average fans.
FIFA defends pricing amid North American market realities
In response to the criticism, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the organization’s pricing strategy. Infantino stated that the ticket amounts are aligned with “North American realities” and reflect the region’s market conditions.
He also pointed out that a quarter of all group stage tickets for the tournament are priced under $300, aiming to offer some affordability.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the largest iteration of the tournament in history. Spanning from June 11 to July 19, it will feature an expanded format with 48 national teams competing in a total of 104 matches.
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The event will be co-hosted across three nations: the USA, Mexico, and Canada, promising a vast geographical footprint and unprecedented scale.
Sources: New York Post
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