FIFA president Gianni Infantino has adopted a dismissive stance toward growing concerns surrounding the 2026 World Cup, telling critics to “just, you know, chill, relax,” according to BBC Sport.
Speaking at a news conference at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium ahead of Thursday’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Infantino downplayed several controversies that have overshadowed the tournament build-up, including visa issues affecting players and officials, allegations of ticket price inflation, and criticism of his close relationship with former US President Donald Trump.
Visa Problems Affect Officials, Players and Fans
As reported by BBC Sport, the 2026 World Cup has already been impacted by several high-profile visa incidents.
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States after being questioned for 11 hours at Miami International Airport. According to the BBC, a US official allegedly accused Artan of having links to terrorists in Somalia before he was sent back to Mogadishu on Wednesday.
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The BBC also reported that Iraq striker Aymen Hussein faced extensive questioning upon arrival in Chicago before eventually being allowed to enter the country.
Iran’s national team has faced even greater complications. According to BBC Sport, members of the Iranian delegation have been denied visas, forcing the team to relocate its World Cup base to Mexico. The BBC further reported that Iranian supporters have had their tickets cancelled by US authorities and that the team will be required to enter and leave the United States within 24 hours for each of their three group-stage matches.
Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday.
Addressing the situation, Infantino acknowledged the difficulties but suggested FIFA’s influence was limited.
“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. But again, we don’t control everything. We try, we’ll discuss, we’ll speak, we’ll see. Maybe sometimes it’s good as well to just, you know, chill, relax,” Infantino said, according to BBC Sport.
The FIFA president also stressed that football’s governing body could not dictate government policy.
“We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation,” he added, as quoted by the BBC.
BBC Sport noted that previous World Cup hosts have made political concessions to ensure participating nations could attend. In 1966, for example, the Football Association reportedly warned the British government that refusing entry to North Korea could jeopardise England’s hosting rights. More recently, Indonesia lost the right to host the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup after opposing Israel’s participation.
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FIFA Faces Ticket Pricing Investigation
According to BBC Sport, FIFA is also under scrutiny over its ticketing practices for the tournament.
The attorneys general of California, New Jersey, New York and Texas have reportedly launched investigations into claims that FIFA artificially inflated ticket prices and misled supporters.
Infantino dismissed those concerns during his press conference, arguing that the complaints represented only a small number of dissatisfied customers.
As reported by the BBC, the FIFA president said the allegations were based on “three, not 3,000” complaints and pointed to what he described as unprecedented demand for World Cup tickets.
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“If we do something wrong, probably everyone selling tickets in North America is doing something wrong as well,” Infantino said, according to BBC Sport.
Infantino Defends Relationship With Trump
BBC Sport also reported that Infantino strongly defended his close relationship with Donald Trump when asked about the United States’ role as the tournament’s primary host.
“I don’t regret anything. I have a great relationship with President Trump. I’m very happy about that,” Infantino said.
According to the BBC, Infantino argued that Trump’s involvement was essential to securing the World Cup in the United States.
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“Without his engagement and his involvement, I think it would have been impossible to organise a World Cup in the United States,” Infantino added.
The FIFA president further stated, as reported by BBC Sport, that Trump understood the scale of the tournament and instructed members of his administration to assist FIFA with preparations.
Sources: www.bbc.com
