Donald Trump Criticizes Sky-High World Cup Ticket Prices, Declares He Won’t Pay
Donald Trump has expressed his dismay over the exorbitant ticket prices for the upcoming World Cup, revealing that he would not be willing to pay the steep costs after learning the admission fees. The tournament, set to take place across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, has raised concerns among fans who are being priced out of attending.
Shock at Ticket Prices
In a recent statement, Trump conveyed his surprise upon discovering that tickets for the United States’ opening match against Paraguay on June 12 in Los Angeles start at over £700. He remarked in a telephone interview, “I did not know that number. I would certainly like to be there. But I wouldn’t pay it either, to be honest with you.”
This sentiment reflects a broader concern about accessibility for fans, particularly those from working-class backgrounds, who may find themselves unable to afford attendance at such high prices.
Implications for Working-Class Fans
Trump highlighted the potential impact of these prices on his core political base, expressing disappointment that supporters from areas like Queens and Brooklyn might be excluded. He stated, “If people from Queens and Brooklyn and all of the people that love Donald Trump can’t go, I would be disappointed. I would like to be able to have the people that voted for me to be able to go.”
While he did not propose specific measures to address the pricing issue, he acknowledged the commercial success of the tournament, noting that it is “extremely successful, setting every record in the book; they’ve never had anything like it.”
Rising Costs and Market Dynamics
The average price for a ticket to the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 is nearing £10,000, a stark contrast to the approximately £1,200 average for the 2022 World Cup final. One resale listing on FIFA’s secondary marketplace has even been priced at nearly £1.7 million. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, addressing these figures at the Milken Institute Global Conference, humorously promised to deliver “a hot dog and a Coke” to any fan who paid that amount.
Infantino defended the pricing strategy, citing the high demand for tickets. He stated, “We are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world, so we have to apply market rates.” He also noted that in the U.S., ticket resale is permitted, which can drive prices higher.
Market Analysis and Future Expectations
However, independent market data challenges FIFA’s pricing rationale. Gilad Zilberman, CEO of the secondary market comparison site SeatPick, reported that as of late April, 72% of matches with comparable data showed secondary market tickets selling for less than FIFA’s prices.
Trump speculated that ticket prices might eventually decrease, suggesting that FIFA is struggling with its pricing model. He described dynamic pricing as an area outside FIFA’s expertise, indicating that the organization often finds itself “stuck with a lot of tickets.”
Hotel Industry Concerns
The hotel industry has also reported disappointing demand in the lead-up to the tournament. A report from the American Hotel and Lodging Association indicated that nearly 80% of hotels in the 11 U.S. host cities are operating below initial World Cup forecasts. In Kansas City, 85 to 90% of operators noted that demand is lagging behind even typical June or July levels without major events.
Factors such as visa complications, high airfare, and geopolitical concerns have deterred international travelers, leaving domestic fans as the primary audience. Many of these fans are now waiting for potential price reductions before committing to attendance.
Source: www.mirror.co.uk
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Published on 2026-05-08 01:17:00 • By the Editorial Desk
