U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino has firmly stated that neither he nor his players should comment on the high ticket prices for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, emphasizing that their sole focus should be on performance on the field. This response came after American winger Timothy Weah criticized the exorbitant costs in a recent interview.
The controversy began when Weah, in an interview with French newspaper Le Dauphiné, expressed disappointment over the ticket prices, saying that many genuine fans would be priced out of attending matches. His comments highlighted a growing concern among supporters worldwide about the affordability of the tournament.
In response, Pochettino addressed the issue during a videoconference call with reporters from Coral Gables, Florida, on Thursday. He asserted that players should let their actions on the pitch speak for them, rather than weighing in on matters outside their purview. “It is not his duty to evaluate the price of the ticket,” Pochettino said, referring to Weah.
The coach elaborated that his responsibility, and that of the team, is to prepare and perform at the highest level for the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. He distanced himself and the players from the pricing debate, stating, “We are not politicians. We are sport people that only we can talk about our job.”
FIFA has set list prices for World Cup tickets as high as $8,680 per seat, with parking spots costing up to $175, drawing criticism from fan groups and media alike. Despite more affordable options, the average prices have been deemed unattainable for many, raising questions about accessibility for the global football community.
Pochettino suggested that inquiries about ticket pricing should be directed to FIFA, the governing body responsible for such decisions. He expressed trust in FIFA’s organizational capabilities, implying that the federation should handle explanations regarding their pricing strategies.
The U.S. team is currently in the midst of preparations for the World Cup, with friendlies scheduled against Belgium on March 28, Portugal on March 31, Senegal on May 31, and Germany on June 6. Their tournament opener is set for June 12 against Paraguay in Inglewood, California.
This incident underscores the tension between athletes’ platforms and the commercial aspects of major sporting events. While players like Weah may feel compelled to advocate for fans, coaches like Pochettino prioritize maintaining focus on athletic performance to avoid distractions.
Looking ahead, the debate over World Cup affordability is likely to continue, especially as tickets become available for resale starting February 5. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has acknowledged that prices could rise further on the secondary market, potentially exacerbating the issue for supporters.
