Pochettino says USMNT won’t weigh in on World Cup ticket prices after Weah

U.S. head coach Mauricio Pochettino on Jan. 30, 2026 declined to engage in the debate over World Cup ticket prices, saying neither he nor his players should comment on FIFA’s decisions and that the USMNT’s responsibility is to prepare, compete and perform on the pitch. “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.” He added that decisions made by FIFA are the organization’s responsibility to explain, not the USMNT’s. Forward Timothy Weah had suggested in an interview with Le Dauphiné that ticket prices for this summer’s World Cup were too high and could prevent many fans from attending.

FIFA has listed tickets at prices as high as $8,680, with parking fees reaching up to $175. “It is too expensive. Football should still be enjoyed by everyone... I am just a bit disappointed by the ticket prices. Lots of real fans will miss matches,” Weah said. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing strategy, citing massive demand — reportedly more than 500 million ticket requests — and warning prices could rise further on the secondary market.

Pochettino said media should direct questions to FIFA and reiterated the team must focus on football: “I think for sure you need the media to ask directly to FIFA...

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