Trump says he would not pay over $1,000 to watch US at World Cup

NEW YORK: President Donald Trump said he would not pay more than $1,000 for a ticket to attend the United States’ opening match at the 2026 World Cup, adding to criticism of Fifa over the cost of attending the tournament.

In an interview published on Thursday by the New York Post, Trump said he had not been aware of the price level until it was raised with him. He said, I did not know that number, and added, I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.

The remarks come as Fifa faces mounting criticism from US lawmakers and international supporter groups over its ticket pricing model ahead of the tournament, which begins in June. Football Supporters Europe has described the pricing as a monumental betrayal.

Trump also indicated concern that many lower-income Americans could be unable to attend matches because of the cost. Referring to his political support base, he said, If people from Queens and Brooklyn and all of the people that love Donald Trump can’t go, I would be disappointed, but, you know, at the same time, it’s an amazing success. I would like to be able to have the people that voted for me to be able to go.

Trump has previously taken credit for helping secure the World Cup for the United States during his first term in office.

Fifa defends pricing amid strong demand

Trump is considered close to Fifa president Gianni Infantino, who said on Tuesday that the governing body was required to operate within US laws that permit ticket resale at prices far above face value.

Infantino said Fifa had received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 tournament. He contrasted that figure with fewer than 50 million combined requests for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.

He also said that 25 percent of tickets for the group stage had been priced below $300.

I did not know that number

I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.

Comparison with Qatar tournament

Supporter groups have also compared prices for the 2026 event with those charged at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. According to the figures cited, the highest-priced ticket for the 2022 final was around $1,600 at face value, while the equivalent top-priced ticket for the 2026 final is about $11,000.

The issue has become a broader point of debate as organisers prepare for one of the most heavily demanded World Cups on record. Trump’s comments are likely to intensify scrutiny of Fifa’s approach, particularly as criticism grows over whether ordinary fans will be able to attend matches in the United States.

If people from Queens and Brooklyn and all of the people that love Donald Trump can’t go, I would be disappointed, but, you know, at the same time, it’s an amazing success. I would like to be able to have the people that voted for me to be able to go.