Trump Criticizes $1,120 Ticket Price for 2026 World Cup Opener
President Donald Trump said he "wouldn't pay" the reported base price for the U.S. opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing regret that some of his supporters could be priced out.
The Match and the Price Tag
The United States is set to open its 2026 World Cup campaign on June 12, 2026, against Paraguay in Los Angeles. The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In an interview with The New York Post, Trump commented on the ticket pricing set by FIFA. The base price for a Category 3 ticket for this specific match has been set at $1,120.
Trump stated he "wouldn't pay" that amount. While he expressed a desire to attend the match, he made clear that he would not do so at that cost.
FIFA's Dynamic Pricing Model
The 2026 World Cup marks a significant shift in FIFA's pricing strategy. Instead of a flat rate for all group-stage matches, the organization has implemented a dynamic pricing model.
Under this system, ticket prices vary based on the popularity of the teams playing. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the strategy, arguing that market rates are necessary to prevent tickets from being resold at even higher prices on secondary markets.
Infantino also claimed that attending a top professional game in the United States costs at least $300—a claim that has been disputed by various media outlets.
Resale Fees Add to the Cost
Beyond initial ticket prices, FIFA's official resale platform comes with significant additional costs. The platform charges a 30% fee per transaction: 15% from the buyer and 15% from the seller.