The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19.
Former United States President Donald Trump has expressed reservations about the potential $1,000 ticket price for the U.S.A.’s opening match against Paraguay, stating he “wouldn’t pay it either.”
The tournament is set to commence on June 11, with the United States, as one of the co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico, kicking off their campaign in Los Angeles on June 12.
“I did not know that number,” Trump told The New York Post, external in response to the $1,000 price tag for fans wishing to attend the USA’s first Group D match.
“I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”
FIFA has faced criticism regarding its pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup, with group-stage games priced based on team popularity, a departure from previous tournaments.
Fans are also encountering significantly inflated prices on FIFA’s official resale platform, with the governing body collecting a 30% fee from each ticket transaction.
Trump further commented, “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.”
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the ticket prices, asserting they align with other major sporting events in the U.S.
“In the US, it is permitted to resell tickets as well, so if you were to sell tickets at the price which is too low, these tickets will be resold at a much higher price,” Infantino stated at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills.
Following criticism, FIFA introduced a limited number of “more affordable” tickets for all 104 matches.
Additionally, World Cup matches in Toronto will adhere to the Ontario government’s ban on reselling event tickets above face value.
Fans are also facing increased transportation costs in the U.S. for the tournament, although recently announced controversial prices have been reduced in New Jersey.
A 30-minute train journey to a World Cup game at MetLife Stadium had risen to $150 from the usual $12.90 for a return fare, but that has now come down by 30%.
The price of a journey of about 18 miles from Penn Station in Manhattan to the venue in New Jersey will instead cost fans $105.
New Jersey Transit chief executive Kris Kolluri said Governor Mikie Sherrill had asked for private sponsorships and other finance sources to be found to ensure the ticket price could come down.
“I am pleased we are able to reduce the price by at least 30% and bring the cost down to $105 per ticket.”
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