U.S. men’s national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino believes that he and his players should not be focused on FIFA World Cup ticket prices.
Pochettino spoke to reporters on Thursday in his first U.S. Soccer media availability of 2026, less than two months until the USMNT is back in action. The Argentine head coach was asked about winger Tim Weah’s recent comments to French media earlier this month, that this summer’s World Cup ticket prices are “too expensive”.
In an interview earlier this month with Le Dauphine, Weah voiced his disappointment with the rising ticket prices saying; “I am just a bit disappointed by the ticket prices. Lots of real fans will miss matches.”
FIFA are currently charging $8,680 list price per ticket for the tournament, which will run from June 11-July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In addition, the federation is also charging up to $175 for parking spots, which has led to ample criticism from other footballing federations and supporter groups.
Pochettino did not fully support Weah’s comments about the ticket prices, admitting that his players and himself need to focus on only what they control.
“First of all, I think players need to talk on the pitch, playing football, not outside of,” Pochettino said. “It is not [Weah’s] duty to evaluate the price of the ticket. And then also my job, my duty is to prepare the team, the U.S. men’s national team in the best way to perform.
“We are not politicians. We are sport people that only we can talk about our job, and I think if FIFA does something or takes some decision, they know why, and [it] is their responsibility to explain why. But it is not about us to provide our opinion. Our responsibility is to perform, play and perform on the pitch and then the people that is in charge of the federation, maybe he can give his opinion, but I am the head coach of the federation.”
The USMNT’s final window before Pochettino names his World Cup roster will take place in late March with friendlies against Portugal and Belgium.
Poch wants US fans in the stands to support the team yet it’s clear the prices will keep many true fans from supporting the team. Can’t have it both ways, Poch.
I’m sure Poch agrees with Weah’s take, he is setting a tone regarding where player’s concentration/focus needs to be. Considering our current state of politics- that we’ve made enemies with the rest of the world, our team is unlikely to be seen as the darlings of the tournament- the players are likely to be bombarded with all kinds of provocative questions having to do with everything but soccer. Reflecting on the Iine of questioning Tyler Adams dealt with in the last WC… I don’t envy the position they are in.
Unfortunately this World Cup is going to very political in many respects. The onus is really going to be on the players to not provide a flashpoint for the media to get legs for a variety of narratives. I agree with Pochettino it is up to players performance to do their talking. I think the biggest point of emphasis for the players is WE(the team) represent the Untied States and all the unique opportunities this country has provided each and everyone from various backgrounds and regions on the world. A united winning team can provide a platform and audience to be heard
Be nice if someone from the USSF had the stones to address the absurd cost of tickets. $175 to park. Be less costly to take an uber to the game. Maybe Poch should focus on the game and less about his players comments to press. Makes him look distracted as well.
Agree with all, Poch dropped a lot for me on this, busch league as hell, uy us some tickets off your wage then rich boy
Lame from Poch. A reporter asks a player for their opinion. The player expresses it, and then Poch acts as if there is an issue. Poch is on the wrong side of this. Soccer is the game of the common man. I’m sure many of us are bummed about the ticket prices. The stadiums if they fill, will be full of influencers and people who “want to be seen”, not people that love the game. I wish nothing but the best for our team and the coach. But this is lame from Poch.
Courey,
“A reporter asks a player for their opinion. The player expresses it, and then Poch acts as if there is an issue.”
Pochettino was in the same situation as Weah. A reporter asked him a question and he answered honestly. And now you act as if there is an issue
Pochettino answered differently than Weah.
He’s not allowed to do that? Why?
Both Weah and Pochettino are right.
++ The tickets are too expensive. Tickets to live sporting events of almost any kind are way too expensive and have been for way too many years. These events are not and have never been for “regular” people.
When was the last time you bought a Super Bowl Ticket? Or a Game 7 NBA finals or World Series ticket? For you and your kids? Or even just try taking your family to an NHL playoff game.
News flash, most of us are not billionaires.
++ Players and coaches have no contol over the prices and should probably just deflect about it.
Notice that Pochettino never said that he was good with the pricing.
He was hired to put together the best USMNT possible and have them give us the best USMNT finish possible. That is where Timmy and Pochettino should be laser focused, not on something neither one has any control over.
Weah is right. The astronomical prices are a FIFA money grab as usual.
Poch should have kept it out of the press
Yep. Agreed.