CORAL GABLES, Fla. — United States coach Mauricio Pochettino stated that it is neither his responsibility nor that of his players to assess or comment on the ticket prices for this summer’s World Cup.
This statement was made during a Zoom conference with journalists on Thursday when Pochettino was questioned about American winger Timothy Weah’s comments in the French media, where he indicated that World Cup tickets were excessively priced and that many supporters might find them unaffordable.
FIFA has set ticket prices as high as $8,680 for the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, with parking fees reaching up to $175. Although there are less expensive options available, average ticket costs have faced criticism from various groups, including fan organizations globally.
“First of all, I believe players should express themselves on the field through their performance, not outside of it,” Pochettino remarked. “It is not [Weah’s] role to assess the ticket prices. My responsibility is to prepare the U.S. men’s national team to perform at its best.”
“We are not politicians. We are sports professionals who can only discuss our work, and I think if FIFA makes decisions, they understand their reasoning, and it is their duty to clarify it. However, it is not our place to offer our opinions. Our obligation is to perform, play, and deliver on the field, while those in charge of the federation may provide their insights, but I am the head coach of the federation.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the ticket prices, noting that the governing body has received over 500 million requests, but acknowledged that prices could increase on the secondary market once tickets are released starting February 5.
“I believe that the media should direct their inquiries to FIFA, and you will certainly receive a satisfactory response, but it is not our role to silence such discussions,” Pochettino continued. “We must concentrate on the sporting aspect and have faith in the organization responsible for soccer or football worldwide to make the appropriate decisions.”
The U.S. will play friendlies against Belgium (March 28), Portugal (March 31), Senegal (May 31), and Germany (June 6) prior to their World Cup match against Paraguay on June 12 in Inglewood, California.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
