Trump Refuses to Pay $1,000 for a Ticket to a US National Team Match

Statement from U.S. President Donald Trump

According to Главком: U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he would not pay $1,000 for a ticket to the first match of the U.S. national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This remark has sparked discussion, especially since FIFA sells tickets for the tournament at $155 each, though resale platforms often list them for over $1,000.

“I didn’t know the price. Of course, I’d like to be there, but I wouldn’t pay for it.”

Donald Trump

The 2026 FIFA World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across three host nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Several groups have been formed for the tournament, including:

• Group A: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
• Group D: USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey

Additionally, in the playoff semifinals for the 2026 World Cup, Ukraine lost to Sweden with a score of 1:3. Goals in that match came from Ponomarenko in the 90+1 minute, while Swedish player Jokeres scored three times-at the 6th, 51st, and 72nd minutes.

The Ukraine vs. Sweden match was part of the qualification process for the 2026 World Cup. Teams finishing in the top two positions in their groups will advance to the round of 16, while the eight best third-placed teams from the group stage will also move forward.

Trump’s comments highlight the growing popularity and commercialization of major sporting events like the World Cup, which could influence decisions by other potential attendees. In the context of qualification, Ukraine’s loss to Sweden underscores the team’s challenging path to the final tournament, emphasizing the importance of upcoming matches for keeping their hopes alive.

As discussions around the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify, the fate of various teams remains uncertain. Notably, a recent suggestion from a Trump envoy has sparked debate about potential changes in team lineups, specifically regarding Italy possibly replacing Iran in the tournament. This development could have significant implications for the competition. To explore this intriguing proposal and its potential impact on the World Cup, read more about the suggestion for Italy's inclusion.