U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked fresh debate over the rising cost of attending major sporting events after criticizing the soaring prices of tickets for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a phone interview with the New York Post, Trump said he was shocked to learn that tickets for the opening match of the United States men's national soccer team are selling for more than $1,000.
“Of course I’d like to attend,” Trump said. “But honestly, I wouldn’t pay that amount either.”
The remarks quickly ignited discussion across social media and sports circles, with many fans echoing concerns that the tournament’s pricing structure is placing the World Cup out of reach for ordinary supporters.
Trump argued that current ticket prices risk excluding large segments of American fans from attending matches, particularly working- and middle-class supporters from neighborhoods such as Queens and Brooklyn.
Despite his criticism, the president praised the overwhelming public demand for the tournament, describing ticket sales as “record-breaking.”
The comments align with recent statements by Gianni Infantino, who revealed that more than five million tickets have already been sold for the competition, underscoring unprecedented global demand for the expanded tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The U.S. national team is scheduled to begin its World Cup campaign on June 12 in Los Angeles against Paraguay, with many available tickets for the match currently priced above the $1,000 mark.
Earlier in the day, Infantino defended FIFA’s pricing policies, arguing that the American sports and entertainment market naturally supports higher ticket costs.
“You cannot attend a major college game or sporting event in America for less than $300,” the FIFA president said. “This is the World Cup.”
He also pointed to the influence of ticket resale platforms, which he said have significantly inflated prices beyond original face values. According to Infantino, selling tickets too cheaply could encourage scalpers to resell them at even higher rates.
Still, FIFA continues to face mounting criticism from football supporters worldwide over the affordability of attending the 2026 tournament, especially after the competition’s expansion increased both the number of matches and the anticipated global audience.
Trump’s comments are particularly notable given his long-standing relationship with Infantino and his vocal support for FIFA initiatives in the United States. Yet his public frustration reflects a broader sentiment among many fans who increasingly believe that attending the World Cup is becoming a luxury reserved for the wealthy rather than a global celebration accessible to ordinary supporters.
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