President Donald Trump has waded into the growing firestorm over 2026 World Cup ticket prices, admitting he “wouldn’t pay” the $1,000-plus fee required to watch the United States’ opening match.
In a recent interview with the New York Post, the billionaire expressed shock at the costs, noting that while he wants to attend, even he finds the current pricing structure for the June tournament hard to justify.
The President’s comments come as fan groups like Football Supporters Europe label the costs a “monumental betrayal,” particularly for supporters in working-class hubs like Queens and Brooklyn.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the high rates, citing the maturity of the U.S. entertainment market and the necessity of dynamic pricing to combat the secondary resale market.
While the USMNT prepares to face Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, lawmakers are increasingly concerned that average Americans are being sidelined by historic price hikes.
With tickets for the final reportedly listed as high as $11,000, the 2026 edition is officially on track to be the most expensive sporting event in history.
Trump, who played a key role in securing the hosting rights during his first term, remains torn between the tournament’s “amazing success” and the exclusion of his core voting bloc.
As the 104-match marathon approaches, the pressure is mounting on FIFA to ensure the beautiful game remains accessible to the fans who built it.
