United States President Donald Trump has voiced concern over the rising cost of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that many ordinary Americans may be priced out of attending the global event.
Speaking in an interview with the New York Post, Trump reacted to reports that tickets for the United States’ opening match are already selling for more than $1,000. His response was blunt.
“I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either,” he said.
His comments come as criticism grows from football fans and lawmakers who believe the pricing structure is becoming increasingly out of reach for the average supporter.
Trump expressed disappointment at the possibility that working class Americans, including many of his supporters, might not be able to attend matches.
“If people from Queens and Brooklyn… can’t go, I would be disappointed,” he said, highlighting concerns that the tournament could become an event only for the wealthy.
The debate over ticket pricing has also drawn reactions from fan groups, including Football Supporters Europe, which described the situation as a “monumental betrayal” of supporters.
Meanwhile, Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing model, noting that demand for the 2026 tournament has been unprecedented. According to him, FIFA has received over 500 million ticket requests, far exceeding previous tournaments.
He also pointed out that about 25 percent of group stage tickets are priced below $300, though critics argue that resale markets are pushing prices far beyond those levels.
Comparisons with past tournaments have further fueled the debate. While top tickets for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar sold for around $1,600, similar tickets for the 2026 final are expected to reach as high as $11,000.
As anticipation builds for the tournament, the question remains whether the world’s biggest football event will remain accessible to everyday fans or become a luxury experience for only a few.