Less than five months before the 2026 World Cup, U.S. men's national soccer coach Mauricio Pochettino indicated that he has better things to do than answer questions about ticket prices, which on some sites are approaching $9,000 per ticket.
"It's not about us to provide our opinion," Pochettino said. "Our responsibility is to play and perform on the pitch."
Pochettino said during a video conference call from FIFA offices in Coral Gables, Florida, that players and coaches have no control over ticket prices and shouldn't be expected to explain the price of admission for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
Pochettinoresponded to a question about American forward Timothy Weah, whosaid World Cup tickets were too expensiveand that some fans would not be able to afford to attend the games.
"Players need to talk on the pitch playing football. It's not his duty to evaluate the price of the ticket," Pochetinno said about Weah's comments. "My duty is to prepare the team in the best way to perform. We are not politicians; we are sports people. We can talk about our jobs. If FIFA does something or [makes] some decision, they know why and it is their responsibility to explain why."
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Weah had told French outletLe Dauphiné: "Football should still be enjoyed by everyone. It is the most popular sport. This World Cup will be good, but it will be more of a show."
World soccer's governing body, FIFA, has repeatedly defended its pricing, and once ticket prices hit the secondary market next week, prices could surge.
"FIFA is doing an amazing job around the world, uniting people," Pochettino added, stressing he is not a politician. "I think for sure you need the media to ask directly to FIFA ...
"We need to be focusing in the sports side and trust in the organization that is in charge of soccer or football around the world that they are going to do the right things."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:2026 World Cup ticket prices not for players to talk about, USMNT boss says