As the 2026 World Cup approaches, interest in the tournament is intensifying. However, this time it is not just about the matches on the pitch, star players, or the battle for the title. One of the issues worrying fans the most is ticket prices.
US President Donald Trump also commented on the high prices set for the 2026 World Cup matches. In an interview with the New York Post, he expressed shock that tickets for the US national team's opening match against Paraguay cost around $1,000.
According to reports, the US national team will play its first match of the home tournament against Paraguay. Fans wishing to watch this match in the stadium will have to spend more than $1,000 even for the cheapest category of tickets. The Guardian also reported that the base ticket price for the USA vs. Paraguay match is around $1,120.
Trump admitted he was unaware of this figure. According to him, he would certainly like to attend the opening match or an important game involving the US team. But he was blunt about the price: such a sum is not acceptable even for him. “I didn't know about this figure. Of course, I would like to be at the opening match, but to be honest, I wouldn't pay that much either”, his sentiment quickly spread among fans.
These remarks are not just a simple objection, but highlight one of the major problems surrounding the 2026 World Cup. The World Cup is always perceived as a national holiday, a football festival that millions of fans dream of. But if ticket prices are this high, this dream becomes much more distant for an ordinary worker, student, or a fan who wants to go to the stadium with their family.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has explained the high prices by market demand. In his view, the demand for sports and show business events in the US is very strong, so ticket prices are shaped by market conditions. However, fans are not always welcoming this explanation. Football belongs to the people, not just those sitting in the VIP sector — that is the “bitter, but real” truth.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. 48 national teams will participate in the tournament, and a total of 104 matches will be organized. Such a massive competition naturally brings in huge revenue, advertising, and tourism. But the main question for football fans is different: can ordinary people watch this festival in the stadium?
Trump's opinion emphasized exactly that point. His remark “I wouldn't pay that much either” resonated with many fans. Because watching football on TV is one thing, but experiencing it live in the stadium is something else entirely. However, a $1,000 ticket feels more like a mortgage payment than football for many.
For now, the ticket debate surrounding the 2026 World Cup seems set to continue. While tournament organizers emphasize high demand, fans want more fair pricing. The football on the pitch hasn't started yet, but the battle to get into the stands has already heated up.
One thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup could be one of the largest and most profitable tournaments in history. But for it to remain a true celebration in the hearts of fans, prices must be more accessible. Otherwise, the seats on football's biggest stage may be full, but many hearts might be left in “offside”.
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