U.S. Coach Pochettino Dismisses Weah's Criticism of World Cup Ticket Prices

Pochettino says players should focus on the pitch, not ticket costs.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 7:47pm

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U.S. men's national team head coach Mauricio Pochettino has dismissed criticism from American winger Tim Weah about high World Cup ticket prices, saying players should focus on their performance on the field rather than commenting on financial decisions made by FIFA.

Why it matters

The high cost of World Cup tickets has been a point of contention, with concerns that it will price out many casual fans and make it difficult for lower-income supporters to attend matches. Pochettino's comments suggest the U.S. team is trying to avoid getting drawn into the debate around ticket affordability.

The details

Weah was quoted as saying the ticket prices, which range up to $8,680 per ticket and $175 for parking, are 'too expensive' and that 'lots of real fans will miss matches.' However, Pochettino dismissed Weah's criticism, stating that 'players need to talk on the pitch, playing football, not outside of' and that it is not the players' 'duty to evaluate the price of the ticket.' Pochettino said the responsibility lies with FIFA to explain their pricing decisions.

  • The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

The players

Mauricio Pochettino

The head coach of the U.S. men's national soccer team.

Tim Weah

An American winger who plays for the U.S. men's national team.

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What they’re saying

“It is too expensive. I am just a bit disappointed by the ticket prices. Lots of real fans will miss matches.”

— Tim Weah

“First of all, I think players need to talk on the pitch, playing football, not outside of. It is not his 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.”

— Mauricio Pochettino, U.S. Men's National Team Head Coach

What’s next

The U.S. team has several friendlies scheduled before their World Cup opener against Paraguay on June 12, including matches against Belgium, Portugal, Senegal and Germany.

The takeaway

Pochettino's comments suggest the U.S. team is focused on their on-field performance and avoiding getting drawn into the debate around World Cup ticket affordability, which has been a point of contention for many fans. The high prices set by FIFA remain a concern, but the U.S. coach believes it is not the players' responsibility to comment on such financial decisions.