Former President Donald Trump said he would not pay more than $1,000 for a ticket to the U.S. opening match at the 2026 World Cup [1].
The comments highlight growing tension regarding the accessibility of the tournament for ordinary fans as the event approaches. By targeting FIFA's pricing structure, Trump aligned himself with critics who argue that the cost of attendance is becoming prohibitive for the average supporter.
During a televised interview published on Thursday, May 7, 2026, Trump addressed the cost of attending the first match for the U.S. national team [2]. He specifically cited four-figure ticket prices as a deterrent [1].
"I would not pay $1,000-plus for a ticket to watch the United States play," Trump said [3].
Trump said that such pricing is excessively high and would be unaffordable for many people [4]. He suggested that the cost of entry for the tournament is out of touch with the financial reality of the general public.
"I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest," Trump said during the interview [5].
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across North America, and the pricing of tickets remains a point of contention for sports analysts and fans alike. Trump's remarks focus on the financial barrier created by FIFA's current ticket tiers, which can reach the $1,000 mark or higher for high-demand matches [1].
"I wouldn't pay it," Trump said [6].
“"I would not pay $1,000-plus for a ticket to watch the United States play."”
This critique reflects a broader debate over the commercialization of global sports. As FIFA seeks to maximize revenue from the expanded 2026 tournament, the high cost of tickets risks alienating the local fanbase in the host countries. Trump's public stance leverages a populist appeal to the 'ordinary fan' against the perceived greed of a global governing body.
