New York (AFP) – Fans put off by prices, some denied visas, and locals more fired up about basketball: the 2026 World Cup is kicking off without much enthusiasm in the United States.
Issued on: 12/06/2026 - 19:12
3 min Reading time
The co-hosts play Friday against Paraguay in Los Angeles but it is an opening match that many Americans -- including Donald Trump -- will likely snub.The US president will not be at the game, and is instead represented by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.Asked recently about ticket prices, deemed exorbitant by many fans, Trump said he would not pay the more than $1,000 required for the first match if he were an ordinary supporter.Arvin Baines, a 26-year-old England fan from London who spoke to AFP in Washington, agreed that ticket prices were a major barrier.He and his friends booked flights to the United States before the matches went on sale and are now gambling on finding last-minute resale seats as official prices exceed their budget."A lot of fans we know decided not to travel just because of the cost," Baines said.'For the fans'
Fans gathered in Miami Beach, Florida for a watch party for the opening match of the 2026 World Cup © CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP
