Soccer fans around the globe have lodged their complaints about the high prices for tickets to 2026 World Cup matches in North America this summer.
However, in what may be a first, someone who will be playing in the tournament is also echoing their concerns.
USMNT winger Timothy Weah said he is “disappointed’ in the pricing structure that places most all of the tickets beyond the price range of the average person.
‘It is too expensive,’ Weah told French outlet Le 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 CUP TICKETS: How to buy them
In an effort to make some reasonably priced options available, FIFA is providing a selected number of tickets to national federations of the participating countries for them to distribute to loyal fans who have previously attended their nations’ matches.
The ‘supporter entry tier’ tickets − which cost $60 apiece − are extremely limited. Otherwise through FIFA’s dynamic ticket pricing, the cheapest group stage games that did not involve host nations Canada, Mexico and the U.S. have ranged from $120 to $265, and from $4,185 to $8,680 for the July 19 championship match in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
‘I am just a bit disappointed by the ticket prices,’ the Marseille winger added in the interview before Tuesday’s French Cup match against Bayeux. ‘Lots of real fans will miss matches.’
Currently on loan at Marseille from Juventus, Weah, 25, has scored seven goals and recorded five assists in 47 appearances for the U.S. men’s national team. He is the son of 1995 Ballon d’Or winner and former president of Liberia, George Weah.