US President Donald Trump on Monday launched the FIFA Pass, a groundbreaking $49 lottery system granting winners access to matches at the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico, hailing it as a “game-changer” to make the tournament affordable for everyday Americans.
The initiative, rolled out by FIFA in partnership with Ticketmaster, offers fans a chance to secure tickets for group stage, knockout rounds and the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey through a random draw, with sales kicking off Tuesday and running until March 2026.
Trump, speaking at a White House event flanked by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, touted the program’s inclusivity, saying: “We’re making the World Cup open to every American family, not just the elite. For just $49, you could see Messi, Ronaldo or the USMNT live — it’s the people’s tournament now.”
Infantino echoed the sentiment, adding: “The FIFA Pass is revolutionary. It ensures soccer’s biggest stage is accessible, with over 2.5 million tickets up for grabs via lottery. We’ve partnered with Ticketmaster to deliver a seamless, fair experience.”
The pass covers one match per draw entry, with resale prohibited to curb scalping, and includes perks like priority access to merchandise. Critics, however, question the lottery’s odds amid 104 hosted games, while FIFA defends it as a step toward equity in a $10 billion event.
