US President Donald Trump has weighed in on the controversy surrounding ticket prices for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His comments come after FIFA faced significant criticism for setting what many consider to be prohibitively expensive entry costs for fans in the host nation.
During a recent statement reported by The New York Times, Trump admitted he was unaware of the specific figures but was taken aback upon learning them. He remarked that even as someone who would like to attend, the cost would give him pause. "I didn't know that number. I would, of course, like to be there, but honestly, I wouldn't pay that much either," the President stated.
The pricing structure has drawn particular attention for matches involving the host US team. For instance, the minimum price for a ticket to the group stage encounter between the United States and Paraguay was initially set at a staggering $1,120. This example has become a focal point for critics arguing that the tournament is becoming inaccessible to average supporters.
Trump specifically highlighted his concern for his political base, mentioning fans from neighborhoods like Queens and Brooklyn. He expressed a desire for the people who voted for him to have the opportunity to experience the World Cup atmosphere firsthand. "If people from Queens and Brooklyn and everyone who loves Donald Trump can't go, I'll be disappointed," he said, framing the issue as one of accessibility for everyday Americans.
Despite his personal reservations about the pricing, the President acknowledged the commercial success of the ticket sales campaign. He noted that sales are proceeding "extremely successfully" and that all possible records are being broken. "Nothing like this has happened before," Trump added, pointing to the unprecedented demand for the event.
The tension between maximizing revenue and ensuring fan access is a recurring theme for major sporting events. FIFA's pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup appears to be leaning heavily toward the former, a decision that has now drawn commentary from the highest levels of the US government. The organization has yet to publicly respond to the President's remarks.
The 2026 tournament will be the first to feature an expanded 48-team format and will be the most geographically spread World Cup in history. The debate over ticket affordability is likely to continue as the event draws closer, with organizers facing pressure to balance financial goals with the spirit of inclusivity that the world's biggest sporting event is meant to embody.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.