The 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to generate massive excitement ahead of next summer’s tournament across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
However, one major issue has started dominating discussions among supporters long before a ball has even been kicked.
Fans across the world have voiced frustration over the huge cost of tickets for several matches, especially games involving the United States men’s national team.
Prices for some fixtures have risen to extraordinary levels, with many supporters claiming the tournament is becoming unaffordable for ordinary fans.
The situation has now become so controversial that even political figures in the United States have started reacting publicly.
One of the biggest concerns surrounds the opening match involving the USMNT against Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Some tickets for that game currently cost more than $1,000, while premium seats reportedly exceed $4,000.
Now, the US President Donald Trump has reacted with surprise after being asked about the prices for the tournament. He told The New York Post:
“I didn’t know that number. I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing strategy and insisted FIFA are simply following the entertainment market in the United States. Infantino explained:
“We have to look at the market. We are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world. So we have to apply market rates.”
Infantino also argued that lower prices would only lead to ticket resellers charging even more money on secondary markets.
FIFA has reportedly reserved around 100,000 tickets at $60 in an attempt to improve affordability.
However, that accounts for less than two per cent of the total tickets available for the tournament. The majority of seats still cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Despite the enormous interest around the competition, reports suggest large sections of seats for the USMNT’s opening match remain unsold because of the pricing.
Meanwhile, Mexico’s opening fixture reportedly sold far more quickly, with only limited accessibility seats currently remaining available.
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