Trump Refuses $1,000 USA Ticket Price for FIFA World Cup

President Donald Trump has added fresh pressure on FIFA after saying he would not spend more than $1,000 to watch the United States play at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speaking to the New York Post, Trump reacted sharply when informed about the rising prices tied to the tournament. The former president, known for his close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, admitted the cost surprised him.

“I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either,” Trump said during the interview.

The remarks quickly fueled conversation around FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets, especially as fans continue to complain about resale markets and soaring hospitality packages connected to matches in the United States.

Trump also linked the issue to ordinary supporters across New York neighborhoods that strongly backed him politically. He argued that working-class football fans should not be locked out of attending the tournament because of aggressive pricing.

“If people from Queens and Brooklyn can’t go, I would be disappointed,” he said.

FIFA Faces Growing Heat Over Ticket Costs

The controversy surrounding Donald Trump's FIFA World Cup comments comes at a time when fan organizations and lawmakers are openly criticizing FIFA’s ticket strategy.

European supporter groups have already accused the governing body of turning the event into a luxury experience rather than a global football celebration. Much of the backlash centers on resale prices, with some seats for major matches reportedly climbing several times above their original value.

FIFA has defended the pricing structure by pointing to overwhelming demand. According to Infantino, the organization has already received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 competition.

The governing body also claims that a portion of group-stage tickets remains available below the $300 mark. Still, critics argue that those seats disappear almost instantly, leaving regular fans exposed to inflated secondary-market costs.

Comparisons with the 2022 tournament in Qatar have also intensified debate online. The most expensive final ticket four years ago carried a face value of nearly $1,600. For the 2026 final, premium seats are reportedly approaching $11,000.

The expanding criticism around FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets now risks becoming a larger political issue inside the United States as preparations continue for football’s biggest tournament.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump FIFA World Cup comments continue drawing attention across sports and political circles, especially among supporters already frustrated by the cost of attending live events.