President Donald Trump said he would not pay $1,000 [1] to watch the U.S. team play in the 2026 World Cup [2].
The comments highlight growing public frustration over the cost of attending the tournament, which is hosted in the U.S. and begins next month.
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump responded to criticism regarding the high ticket prices set by FIFA. He said he was unaware that tickets were being sold at that price point.
"I did not know that number," Trump said [1].
Despite his willingness to support the national team, the President indicated that the current pricing is prohibitive. He said that while he would like to see the U.S. team, he would not spend that amount of money for a single ticket.
"I would certainly like to see the U.S. team, but I would not spend that much on a ticket," Trump said [1].
The 2026 tournament is expected to draw millions of spectators, but the cost of entry has become a point of contention for fans. Trump said his stance on the specific cost of attendance during the discussion.
"I wouldn't pay $1,000 to watch the U.S. at the World Cup," Trump said [1].
“"I did not know that number."”
The President's comments align him with a broader segment of the public critical of FIFA's commercial strategies. By framing the ticket prices as excessive, he positions himself as a defender of the average consumer's wallet during a major international event hosted on home soil.
