BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
United States President Donald Trump has publicly criticised the soaring ticket prices for the 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026, admitting that he personally would refuse to pay the reported $1,000 (£736) fee for the United States’ opening match against Paraguay.
The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on 11 June 2026, with the American national team set to launch their Group D campaign in Los Angeles a day later.
Speaking to the New York Post, Trump expressed surprise at the reported ticket costs and suggested the pricing had become excessive for ordinary supporters.
“I did not know that number,” Trump said when informed that fans may have to spend around $1,000 to attend the USA’s opening fixture. “I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”
The comments arrive amid growing criticism directed at FIFA over its controversial pricing model for the expanded 2026 World Cup. Unlike previous tournaments, where group-stage ticket prices were largely standardised, FIFA has reportedly adopted a dynamic structure based on the commercial appeal and popularity of participating nations.
The strategy has triggered frustration among supporters, many of whom have described the prices as “extortionate” and increasingly inaccessible for average football fans. Concerns have also intensified regarding FIFA’s official resale platform, where ticket prices for several matches have reportedly risen significantly above their original face value.
Adding to the controversy is FIFA’s resale commission structure. The governing body is understood to collect a 30 percent fee on each resale transaction — split equally between buyer and seller at 15 percent each — a policy that has further fuelled criticism from supporters and fan advocacy groups.
The 2026 edition of the World Cup is expected to be the largest in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 national teams and matches spread across North America. While anticipation for the competition remains exceptionally high, debates surrounding affordability and fan accessibility are increasingly becoming a central issue ahead of kickoff.
Despite the criticism, demand for tickets is expected to remain enormous, particularly for matches involving host nations and global football powers. However, Trump’s remarks are likely to amplify wider concerns over whether the modern World Cup experience is drifting beyond the financial reach of traditional supporters.