US president Donald Trump weighs in on 2026 World Cup ticket price controversy with “honest” verdict

The growing backlash over 2026 World Cup ticket prices has now reached the very top of American politics after United States President Donald Trump weighed in on the controversy.

FIFA has faced mounting criticism in recent months over soaring costs for tickets, transport and accommodation ahead of the tournament across North America.

Donald Trump gives his verdict on 2026 World Cup ticket prices

Trump bluntly admitted he “wouldn’t pay it either” when asked about supporters potentially facing ticket prices of around $1,000 (£736) to watch the United States open their World Cup campaign against Paraguay in Los Angeles.

The US president told The New York Post he was surprised by the figure and suggested ordinary supporters were being priced out of attending games.

“I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you,” he said. “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.”

FIFA has come under sustained pressure over its pricing model, with group-stage ticket costs varying depending on the perceived popularity of teams rather than a standard pricing structure.

Fans have also criticised FIFA’s official resale platform, where massively inflated prices have appeared alongside substantial resale fees charged to both buyers and sellers.

The issue has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the tournament, with concerns growing that many lifelong supporters are being pushed out by corporate hospitality and premium experiences.

FGG says: It says everything when even Trump thinks prices are too high

When even the president of the host nation is openly saying he would not pay the ticket prices, it probably tells you everything you need to know about the current state of the tournament.

The 2026 World Cup is starting to feel less like a celebration for everyday supporters and more like an event tailored to wealthy tourists, hospitality clients and corporate guests.

With soaring ticket costs, inflated hotel prices and questionable transport fees, the idea of regular fans being able to follow their team feels increasingly unrealistic, and comments like Trump’s only reinforce the growing sense that the World Cup is drifting away from the people who give it its soul.