Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated he would not pay the reported $1,000 (£736) price for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup opener involving the United States in Los Angeles on June 12. Trump’s comments, made to The New York Post, come as FIFA faces criticism for its tiered pricing strategy and high resale fees for the upcoming tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Fan Frustration Over Pricing
The 2026 World Cup, set to kick off on June 11, has drawn significant backlash from fans over its ticketing approach. Unlike previous tournaments, FIFA has implemented a system where ticket prices for group-stage matches are determined by the perceived popularity of the participating teams.
This move has led to reports of exorbitant prices, with the U.S. team’s opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles reportedly costing fans up to $1,000. Trump expressed his disappointment that supporters might be priced out of attending, stating, “If people from Queens and Brooklyn and all of the people that love Donald Trump can’t go, I would be disappointed.” He added, “I would like to be able to have the people who voted for me to be able to go.”
FIFA’s Defense and Resale Policies
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the ticket costs, asserting they are comparable to prices for other major sporting events in the United States. Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, Infantino addressed the resale market.
“In the US, it is permitted to resell tickets as well, so if you were to sell tickets at a price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price,” Infantino explained. FIFA is also reportedly charging a 30% fee on all ticket resales through its official platform, taking 15% from both the buyer and seller.
In response to initial criticism, FIFA did introduce a limited number of more affordable tickets, priced around £45, for all 104 matches. However, the fundamental tiered pricing structure remains a point of contention.
Transportation Costs Also a Concern
Beyond match tickets, fans also face inflated transportation costs. The tournament’s proximity to major metropolitan areas means fans will need to travel, often incurring significant expenses.
Train ticket prices for a 30-minute journey to the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a venue for World Cup games, had surged to $150 (£111) for a return fare, a dramatic increase from the usual $12.90 (£9.50).
Following public outcry and intervention, these prices have seen a reduction. New Jersey Transit CEO Kris Kolluri announced that prices have been lowered by at least 30% due to efforts to secure private sponsorships and other funding sources.
The cost for the approximately 18-mile journey from Penn Station in Manhattan to the New Jersey venue will now be $105 (£77). Governor Mikie Sherrill had requested that alternative funding be found to mitigate the high fares.
Looking Ahead: Affordability and Fan Access
The controversy surrounding ticket and transportation prices highlights a growing tension between the commercial interests of major sporting events and the desire for fan accessibility. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the long-term impact of these pricing strategies on fan engagement and the overall fan experience remains a key issue to monitor. The success of efforts to reduce costs for essential services like transportation may set a precedent for future large-scale events.
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