Former President Donald Trump is echoing the frustrations of everyday Americans regarding the outrageous cost of attending the 2026 World Cup.
When asked about the $1,000 price tag for the USA's opening match against Paraguay, Trump was blunt: "I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you." Fifa has faced intense backlash for its predatory pricing model, which abandons flat-rate structures in favor of charging whatever the market will bear based on team popularity.
To make matters worse, the global governing body is skimming a 30% fee off every transaction on its resale platform. Trump expressed disappointment that the working-class supporters who form the backbone of his base might be priced out of the event.
While Fifa President Gianni Infantino has attempted to justify the costs by comparing them to other expensive American sporting events, the reality remains that fans are being squeezed. Beyond the ticket prices, fans are also being gouged by local transit authorities.
In New Jersey, officials initially hiked a standard $12.90 train fare to a staggering $150 for the event. Following public outcry, the price was reduced to $105—a figure that remains a heavy burden on taxpayers and visitors alike.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, it is clear that Fifa’s priority is maximizing revenue rather than ensuring the game remains accessible to the fans who actually make the sport a success.
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