Trump Admits World Cup Tickets Are Expensive – Says He Wouldn't Buy Them Either

US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that 2026 World Cup tickets are expensive and admits he wouldn't pay the hefty prices himself after being asked by media about tickets costing up to $1,000 for the opening match between the United States and Paraguay on June 12.

The 2026 World Cup has faced criticism for record-high ticket prices, as group stage ticket prices are determined by team popularity rather than fixed rates. Fans also face significant markups on FIFA's official resale platform, which charges a 30% fee (split 15% each from buyers and sellers) on every ticket sold.

When The New York Post asked Donald Trump about the issue, the US President revealed: "I didn't know those numbers before. I would certainly like to go, but to be honest, I wouldn't pay that price either. If people from Queens, from Brooklyn, or people who love Donald Trump can't go see it, I'd be disappointed. But at the same time, it's an incredible success. I want the people who voted for me to be able to attend this event."

Meanwhile, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the ticket prices, saying they align with other sports ticketing systems in the United States. "In the US, ticket resale is something that happens, so if we sell tickets at too low a price, those tickets will just be resold at much higher prices anyway."

Beyond expensive tickets, football fans also face increased travel costs, particularly in New Jersey where railroad prices had previously sparked outrage, though fares have since been reduced. Train rides lasting 30 minutes to Met Life Stadium were initially hiked to $150 from the normal price of $12.90, but have now been cut by 30%, bringing the fare from Penn Station in Manhattan to the New Jersey stadium to $105.