Trump, Infantino Clash Over Soaring World Cup Ticket Prices
FIFA raised top final ticket to $32,970 and faces criticism as President Trump says he "wouldn't pay" $1,000+ prices for U.S. games.
Associated PressFIFA triples price to $32,970 for its best available tickets to the World Cup final
Daily BeastTrump Throws FIFA Buddy Under the Bus on World Cup
Joe.My.God.Trump Rips World Cup Ticket Prices: I Wouldn't Pay It - Joe.My.God.
BBC NewsWorld Cup 2026: 'I wouldn't pay it', says US President Donald Trump on ticket price for USA game
Overview
FIFA listed front category one tickets for the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium at $32,970, triple its previous top price of $10,990.
FIFA defended pricing as market-driven and noted resale can push prices higher, according to Gianni Infantino at the Milken Institute Global Conference.
President Donald Trump said he "wouldn't pay" roughly $1,000 for the U.S. opener against Paraguay and said he did not know that number.
Resale listings on FIFA's marketplace ranged from $8,970 to $11,499,998.85 and FIFA takes a 15% fee from buyers and sellers on resales.
Fans face high prices across the tournament, with semifinal tickets listed at up to $11,130 and group-stage U.S. match tickets starting around $840; ticketing and resale remain ongoing issues.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story around cost and consumer impact, foregrounding Trump's 'I wouldn't pay it' remark and critics' characterization of FIFA's pricing as 'extortionate', while placing Infantino's defense later. reporting highlights resale fees, transport fare hikes and government interventions, steering the narrative toward affordability concerns over sporting context.