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Sports
US President Donald Trump criticizes 2026 World Cup ticket prices, saying he wouldn't pay the current costs to attend matches.
The escalating controversy over ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup has drawn a direct rebuke from US President Donald Trump. He stated he personally would not pay the current sums to attend matches in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next summer.
Trump made his remarks during a telephone interview with the New York Post, as reported by The Sun. The comments came after he was asked about the high costs that have angered fans, particularly noting that following the England national team through the entire tournament could cost over five thousand pounds sterling if they reach the final.
"I didn't know these numbers, and frankly, I wouldn't pay these prices either," Trump said. He added that while he would like to attend the tournament, he believes the current costs are excessive for ordinary fans.
The US president expressed that his frustration would grow if ordinary people are unable to attend matches due to high prices. He stated he wants the tournament to be accessible to the fans who supported him in the elections.
In contrast, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the current pricing policy. He argued that the prices reflect the nature of the US market, which he described as the most developed in the world of entertainment.
Speaking at an event in Los Angeles, Infantino said that some of the astronomical prices seen on resale platforms do not represent the true value of the tickets. "If someone offers a ticket for the final at two million dollars, that doesn't mean it's the real price or that anyone will buy it," he stated.
The FIFA chief added sarcastically that if someone did buy a World Cup final ticket at that price, he would personally provide them with "a hot dog and a soft drink" to ensure they have a special experience.
Infantino noted that FIFA is forced to operate according to US market rules. He explained that legal ticket resale in the United States makes selling tickets at low prices illogical, as speculators would simply resell them at much higher rates. He also confirmed that about 25 percent of group stage tickets are available for under $300, calling this figure normal compared to prices for attending major sports and entertainment events in America.
