Trump Voices Concerns Over World Cup Ticket Costs
President Donald Trump states he would not pay the steep ticket prices set by FIFA for the upcoming 2026 World Cup. In a recent interview, Trump reacts to the $1,000 starting price for the US men’s national team’s opener against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 12.
‘I did not know that number,’ Trump says. ‘I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.’ He adds, ‘I haven’t seen that, but I would have to take a look at it. If people from Queens and Brooklyn and all of the people that love Donald Trump can’t go, I would be disappointed, but, you know, at the same time, it’s an amazing success. I would like to be able to have the people that voted for me to be able to go.’
Infantino Defends Prices Amid Criticism
FIFA President Gianni Infantino brushes off backlash over the high costs, claiming attendance at a U.S. college game runs at least $300 and professional sports events cost more. Recent checks show Yankees tickets against the Texas Rangers available for $8, while a Knicks playoff ticket in Philadelphia lists at $192 on resale platforms.
At a conference this week, Infantino responds to a $2 million resale price for the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium by joking he would personally deliver a hot dog and Coke to ensure a great experience.
Ticket Sales and Hospitality Struggles
FIFA reports 500 million ticket requests for the tournament, which features 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico starting June 11. However, prices on resale sites like SeatGeek drop below official levels, with additional tickets released as the event nears.
Critics argue FIFA creates artificial scarcity by limiting supply. Reports indicate challenges selling tickets for some matches, and a survey by the American Hotel & Lodging Association reveals nearly 80% of hotels in the 11 U.S. host cities fall short of initial projections, with six weeks until kickoff.
Infantino’s stance faces added pressure after he presented Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize at the December draw.
