United States men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino has urged his players to avoid commenting on matters outside of football, following remarks by Tim Weah about the cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup. During a virtual press conference, the Argentine made clear he believes players should focus solely on their on-field duties.
Weah, the Olympique Marseille winger, had earlier expressed disappointment over ticket prices in an interview with French outlet Le Dauphiné Libéré. He said the costs would prevent many genuine fans from attending matches, adding that ‘football should still be enjoyed by everyone’.
Responding to the comments, Pochettino said: ‘I think players need to talk on the pitch, playing football, not outside. It is not his duty to evaluate the price of the ticket … We are not politicians. We are sport people that only we can talk about our job.’ The manager also defended FIFA, calling it an organisation doing ‘an amazing job around the world uniting people’.
Pochettino’s stance marks a departure from recent USMNT tradition, where players have been encouraged to speak out on social issues. His predecessor, Gregg Berhalter, had supported initiatives like the ‘Be The Change’ campaign. Critics note that ticket prices remain a contentious issue, with parking at the Los Angeles venue where the US will play two group-stage games costing as much as $300 per FIFA.
Weah, who has 47 caps and is the son of former Liberian President George Weah, has previously handled political questions with care. His comments on affordability were seen by many as a reasonable observation within his sphere, rather than a political statement.
