Donald Trump turns heads with sticker shock reaction to World Cup ticket prices

Q: What are the ticket prices for the USA-Paraguay World Cup opener?

Tickets for the USA-Paraguay opener at SoFi Stadium are priced around $1,120.

Q: Why is Donald Trump concerned about World Cup ticket prices?

Donald Trump has shown hesitation about attending FIFA matches due to the high ticket prices.

Q: When is the World Cup taking place in the United States?

The World Cup is set to take place next month, coinciding with America's 250th celebration.

Q: What criticisms has FIFA faced regarding the World Cup?

FIFA has been criticized for the high ticket prices associated with this year's World Cup matches.

Donald Trump turns heads with sticker shock reaction to World Cup ticket prices originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

With the World Cup coming to the United States next month, not everyone is thrilled about the country hosting the biggest international sporting event.

The lead up to having all eyes on games around North America, which coincides with America's 250th celebration, has been great. However, there's one aspect that hasn't received a good review. FIFA has been criticized for ticket prices of this year's pairings, costing around $1,120 per ticket for the USA-Paraguay opener at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.

One of those on the fence about attending any FIFA-sanctioned matches is Donald Trump.

The US President took a rare step to comment about the matter. He expressed sticker shock over FIFA charging an absorbent amount. “I did not know that number,” Trump told the New York Post about opening match prices. “I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”

Keep in mind, the $1,120 figure is a get-in price with tickets going for much more for better seats and on the secondary markets.

At this week's Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered his take on the matter. “In reality, 25 percent of group stage tickets are available for less than $300,” he said. “In the U.S., you can’t attend a college game, let alone a top-tier professional event, for under $300. And this is the World Cup

“We are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world, so we have to apply market rates," Infantino added.

Where does this leave Trump for 2026 World Cup?

Does Trump agree with Infantino? Likely not. But FIFA will have fans in the hundreds of thousands in the stands and millions watching around the world. As of now, five million tickets have been sold for the event, according to Infantino.

Trump also took the opportunity to express his concern over "his voters" not being able to attend high prices. Even though the Super Bowl demands two or three times as much every year.

MORE:FIFA World Cup tickets 2026: Guide to pricing, fixtures, stadium policies and more for men's soccer tournament

“I would have to take a look at it," Trump added about the ticket prices. “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.”

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will open on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, featuring host nation Mexico against South Africa. This opening match marks the start of the largest-ever tournament, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across Canada, Mexico and the USA.