Trump and FIFA Clash Over High World Cup Ticket Prices

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be the first ever held across three North American countries, has become a lightning rod for debate over ticket affordability, with former U.S. President Donald Trump joining a chorus of critics who say the prices are pricing out ordinary fans. In a series of interviews and public statements this week, Trump declared he “wouldn’t pay” four figures for a World Cup match, specifically citing the $1,000-plus cost for the U.S. Opener against Paraguay and the near-$13,000 average price for the final. His remarks reflect growing frustration among American soccer fans and lawmakers over the tournament’s pricing structure, which has seen some resale tickets for the final exceed $2 million.

Trump’s comments come as resale prices for nearly every match in the U.S. Have begun to fall, according to data from TicketData.com. For 76 of the 78 matches scheduled in the United States, the “get-in” price for the cheapest available ticket has dropped below FIFA’s list price in the same category. This shift follows a new batch of tickets released by FIFA on May 7, which aimed to address the backlash over soaring costs. Despite these adjustments, the average ticket price for the 2026 World Cup remains significantly higher than for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where the average was around $1,600.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing, arguing that it reflects “absolutely crazy” demand for the tournament. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills on May 6, Infantino dismissed criticism as misplaced, stating that the World Cup is “the most developed entertainment market in the world.” He also justified the high prices by noting that FIFA received over 500 million requests for tickets, far exceeding the number of seats available. Infantino has repeatedly emphasized that the prices are set according to market rates, though critics and some lawmakers have called the system “scandalous” and accused FIFA of exploiting fan enthusiasm for profit.

Infantino’s defense contrasts sharply with the experiences of many fans. While some have managed to secure tickets at or below the list price, others have faced resale prices that are multiples of the original cost. The U.S. Opener against Paraguay, for example, has seen resale prices fluctuate, though they have generally trended downward in recent days. The final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, has drawn particular attention, with four tickets behind one of the goals reselling for over $2 million—far beyond the reach of most attendees.

The debate over ticket prices is not just a financial one; it touches on broader questions about accessibility and the future of soccer in the United States. With the World Cup serving as a showcase for the sport’s growth in North America, the issue of affordability could influence long-term fan engagement and the tournament’s legacy. For now, however, the focus remains on whether FIFA can strike a balance between meeting demand and ensuring that the World Cup remains a spectacle for fans of all backgrounds.

As the tournament draws nearer, the conversation around ticket prices is likely to intensify, with lawmakers, fan groups, and even high-profile figures like Trump continuing to push for greater transparency and fairness in the allocation process.