U.S. President Donald Trump has joined the criticism over high ticket prices for the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying he would not pay the four-figure amount listed for the United States’ opening match against Paraguay.
“I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you,” Trump told the New York Post, when asked about the price of tickets for the June 11 match in Los Angeles.
The fixture has drawn attention because official tickets still available for the match have been listed from $1,120, with higher categories going well beyond that figure. FIFA’s use of dynamic pricing, common in the U.S. entertainment market, has led to sharp increases in high-demand matches.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing model, arguing that cheaper tickets would only push fans towards inflated resale prices. However, the cost has raised concerns over affordability, especially for local supporters hoping to watch the host nation begin its campaign.
The 2026 World Cup will be played across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
Published on May 07, 2026