‘I wouldn’t pay it’ – Trump on USA ticket price

High ticket and transit costs for the 2026 World Cup have drawn rebukes from fans and political leaders, leading to minor price concessions in transportation and select ticket tiers.

President Donald Trump and international fan groups have voiced sharp criticism over FIFA’s pricing strategy for the 2026 World Cup, as costs for the U.S. men’s national team’s opening match in Los Angeles reach quadruple figures. In an interview with The New York Post, Trump expressed shock at the $1,000 price tag for Group D tickets.  

“I did not know that number,” Trump said. “I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.” The President voiced concern for his supporters in New York, adding, “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.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the rates, citing the highly developed U.S. entertainment market. “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. FIFA is also under fire for its resale platform, which collects a 30% fee 15% from both buyer and seller.  

In response to “extortionate” transport costs, New Jersey officials announced a 30% reduction in rail fares to MetLife Stadium. Initially hiked to $150, return tickets from Manhattan will now cost $105. “I am pleased we are able to reduce the price by at least 30% and bring the cost down to $105 per ticket,” said NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri.