US President Donald Trump has voiced strong disapproval over the high ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico, stating he would not pay them himself.
Ticket Pricing Backlash
FIFA faces widespread criticism for implementing dynamic pricing, which has driven up costs dramatically. Category 3 tickets—the most accessible option for many fans due to limited Category 4 availability—cost $1,120 for the USA’s opening group stage match against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in California.
Trump, who maintains a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, expressed his concerns during a recent interview. He stated: “I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you. 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.”
Infantino Defends Market-Driven Prices
Infantino recently defended the pricing strategy, emphasizing market dynamics in the entertainment industry. The 56-year-old Swiss official said: “We have to look at the market – we are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world. So we have to apply market rates. 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.”
This comes amid reports of World Cup final tickets appearing on secondary markets for up to $11.5 million.
Tournament Schedule and Favorites
The tournament kicks off on June 12 when Mexico hosts South Africa, followed by South Korea facing Czechia. The next day features Canada against Bosnia & Herzegovina in Toronto and the USA’s clash with Paraguay in California.
Spain leads the favorites to claim the title, with France, England, Brazil, Argentina, and Portugal close behind.
