Former U.S. President Donald Trump said he would not pay for World Cup tickets that cost more than $1,000 [1].
The dispute highlights a tension between the accessibility of the tournament for average fans and the commercial strategy of the governing body of soccer. As the 2026 World Cup prepares to launch across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., the cost of attendance has become a focal point of public debate.
Trump spoke about the pricing during an interview with the New York Post [2]. He focused on the high cost of entry for the event, stating, "I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest" [2]. The former president said that such pricing makes the games unaffordable for many people.
This criticism follows a public defense of the pricing structure by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. During a press briefing on Wednesday, Infantino said the costs were appropriate for the region. "These prices are the market rate for America," Infantino said [3].
Infantino said that the organization determines costs based on the specific economic environment of the host nations. He said, "We set the prices based on market demand and the value of the experience" [3].
The 2026 tournament marks a significant expansion of the event, shared between three North American nations. While FIFA maintains that the pricing reflects the high demand and value of the experience, critics like Trump argue that the $1,000-plus price point [1] creates a barrier for the general public.
“"I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest."”
The clash between Trump and Infantino reflects a broader conflict regarding the commercialization of global sports. By framing the tickets as 'market rate,' FIFA is prioritizing revenue maximization and the perceived value of the American consumer market, while the criticism from a high-profile political figure underscores potential public backlash over the exclusivity of the event.
