Trump comments on $1,000 World Cup ticket costs: ‘I wouldn’t pay that either, to be honest’

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, American soccer fans are buzzing with excitement. It’s been over 30 years since such a major tournament has taken place on U.S. soil, and top players from around the globe will be showcasing their skills.

If you plan to catch a game this summer, be prepared for some hefty ticket prices. For instance, tickets to the United States’ season opener against Paraguay on June 12 in Southern California are going for around $1,000. Surprisingly, many fans are still feeling grateful in today’s economic climate.

New York City mayoral candidate Mandani has called the price of $6,000 for World Cup final tickets at MetLife Stadium “ridiculous.”

Adding to the outrage, even President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with the ticket costs. In an interview, he mentioned that he wouldn’t shell out that kind of money to see the U.S. men’s national team play.

“I didn’t know the numbers,” Trump commented. “I certainly want to be part of it, but honestly, I don’t want to pay.” If someone like Trump, who has considerable means, isn’t keen on paying these prices, it signals a serious issue.

This situation follows FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s defense of the high costs, where he inaccurately compared them to college football ticket prices. He remarked that you wouldn’t find a college game for less than $300, especially not a premier event like the World Cup.

Yet, as noted in a recent article, some college playoff games at neutral sites were priced below $100, with the highest ones only reaching $219. This just goes to show how misleading those comparisons can be.

It feels a bit disheartening that Infantino would downplay fans’ frustrations over ticket costs, but I’m glad someone like Trump is bringing attention to this issue. Like many other viewers, I’ll be watching my sons cheer on the U.S. team from home, sharing in the joy and disappointment, just like millions of Americans.