President Donald Trump recently weighed in on the steep ticket prices for the USMNT’s World Cup opener against Paraguay in June. He candidly stated he “wouldn’t pay it either.”
Ticket sales for this match in Los Angeles are trailing behind those for other events at SoFi Stadium. FIFA, the body overseeing the World Cup, has faced backlash regarding ticket pricing this year. The cheapest prices for the U.S.-Paraguay match started at a staggering $1,120 (£823).
In an exclusive interview with the New York Post, Trump expressed his surprise at the prices. “I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you,” he said. The White House chose not to comment further on the matter.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president and someone close to Trump, defended the prices at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills. He pointed out that 25% of group stage tickets are available for under $300, arguing that similar events in the U.S. typically cost more. “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!” he noted.
Infantino also mentioned that ticket resale is permitted in the U.S., suggesting that prices could rise significantly on the resale market.
While Trump did express some concern over affordability, he also highlighted that about five million tickets had been sold, calling this a “huge success.” “I would like to see people from Queens and Brooklyn and all of the people that love Donald Trump be able to go,” he remarked.
Historically, World Cup ticket pricing has stirred debate. In past tournaments, fans often found themselves priced out of attending. These discussions continue today, reflecting the ongoing tension between market forces and fan access.
As the World Cup draws closer, public reactions on social media emphasize frustration over high ticket costs, signaling a potential divide among fans eager to support their teams but unable to afford entry.
For more information on ticket sales and pricing, you can check out the New York Post and Milken Institute.
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US Men's national team, FIFA Men's World Cup, International Football, Soccer, Sports Business
