President Donald Trump has publicly questioned the pricing structure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing shock at ticket costs for the US national team's opening match against Paraguay on 12 June in Los Angeles. Trump told the New York Post he was unaware of the figures and stated bluntly: "I wouldn't pay that, to be honest."
The cheapest available tickets on FIFA's official platform are priced at $1,940, while the resale market begins at $1,150. These costs have drawn criticism despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously defending them as reflective of the North American market. The governing body has maintained that approximately 25 percent of group-stage tickets remain available below the $300 threshold.
Government Review and Economic Impact
Trump suggested the US government might examine the pricing model, saying he would need to investigate further while emphasizing his desire for American supporters to attend matches. He acknowledged the tournament's commercial success, noting it was already breaking previous attendance and revenue records. This marks a notable intervention from the sitting president into international football governance and FIFA's commercial operations.
The 2026 World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Mexico and Canada, featuring 48 teams competing in 104 matches—the largest tournament format ever. FIFA reports approximately five million of seven million available tickets have already sold, with a fresh sales phase launched this week. The expanded competition and North American venues have driven unprecedented demand, though pricing disputes now threaten to overshadow early enthusiasm.
