FIFA World Cup 2026: Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, defended the way soccer's governing body has come out to defend the decisions taken by the global football governing body in the wake of several visa related problems. According to Infantino, while the body remains committed to upholding the spirit of the game, it could not override the decisions taken by the elected government of the country.
Speaking on the eve of the tournament opener between co-hosts Mexico & South Africa, Infantino addressed the elephant in the room, the concerns surrounding Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was barred from entering the US despite having a valid visa.
"It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. We are not the kings of
the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organization," Infantino told a press conference.
The incident has highlighted growing immigration concerns ahead of the June 11-July 19 tournament, after US authorities denied Artan entry citing alleged links to individuals suspected of involvement in terror groups.
'We Trying To Resolve Matters': FIFA President On Ongoing Visa Problems
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organisation is working quietly to address such issues, but emphasised that final decisions on entry remain under the jurisdiction of national governments.
"We are constantly trying to resolve matters," he said, adding that reacting publicly or aggressively can sometimes hinder progress rather than help reach a solution.
Responding to questions about visa-related issues, Infantino dismissed any second thoughts over choosing the United States as a host.
He acknowledged that challenges are inevitable for an event of this scale, noting that concerns have emerged across all host nations, including the US, Canada, and Mexico, and added that organisers are addressing each situation as it arises.
What Did Infantino Say On Exorbitant Ticket Pricing Of FIFA?
FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed back against criticism over ticket prices, arguing that demand for the tournament has been exceptionally high. With more than six million tickets already sold for the expanded 48-team competition, he noted that demand has exceeded supply by at least ten times.
Infantino highlighted that entry-level tickets start at $60, describing it as lower than the minimum prices typically seen in major American sports during playoff stages. He added that pricing tickets any cheaper would likely have driven resale values significantly higher on secondary markets.
He also stressed that all revenue generated from ticket sales is reinvested into the development of football worldwide.
The tournament is set to begin on Thursday at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, which will make history as the first stadium to host matches at three men's World Cups. Infantino expressed confidence that this edition would rank among the most competitive in the tournament's history.
