Donald Trump distances himself from $1,000 World Cup tickets as pressure mounts on FIFA

United States President Donald Trump has openly criticised the soaring cost of attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, revealing he would not pay more than $1,000 for a ticket to watch the host nation’s opening match.

His remarks add fresh political weight to growing backlash against football’s global governing body over pricing concerns ahead of the tournament.

Speaking in an interview published on Thursday, Trump expressed surprise at the current ticket figures and suggested the cost risks alienating everyday supporters.

“I did not know that number,” he said, before adding, “I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”

The comments mark a notable shift in tone from a leader who has previously taken pride in helping secure the World Cup for the United States during his first presidency.

The issue has quickly evolved into more than just a sporting debate, with affordability emerging as a political talking point. Trump pointed to the risk of excluding lower-income fans, particularly those from working-class communities that form a key part of his political base.

He warned that if supporters from areas such as Queens and Brooklyn are unable to attend matches, it would be a disappointment despite the tournament’s expected commercial success.

“I would like to be able to have the people that voted for me to be able to go,” he said, underlining concerns that football’s biggest event could become inaccessible to ordinary Americans. His intervention echoes criticism from fan organisations and lawmakers who have accused FIFA of prioritising profit over inclusivity.

European supporters’ body Football Supporters Europe has already labelled the pricing model a “monumental betrayal,” reflecting a wider frustration among global fan groups.

Critics argue that ticket inflation undermines the spirit of the World Cup, historically celebrated as a festival of football open to diverse audiences.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing structure, pointing to unprecedented demand for the 2026 tournament.

According to Infantino, more than 500 million ticket requests have been recorded, dwarfing the combined interest in the 2018 and 2022 editions. He also stressed that a quarter of group-stage tickets are priced below $300, suggesting there remain more affordable options.

However, comparisons with the 2022 tournament in Qatar have intensified scrutiny. While the most expensive final ticket four years ago stood at roughly $1,600, projections for 2026 indicate prices could reach as high as $11,000. The sharp increase has fuelled perceptions that the World Cup is drifting further from its traditional fan base.

With the tournament set to kick off in June across North America, the debate over accessibility versus commercial opportunity is unlikely to fade.