As the 2026 World Cup gets underway, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed a wave of controversies, including visa denials affecting referees, officials, and fans, as well as criticism over ticket pricing.
Speaking in Mexico City ahead of the tournament's opening match, Infantino said FIFA is focused on finding solutions and cannot intervene in helping the US determine who gains entry into the country. His comments come after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States despite being on the official roster, according to Al Jazeera and France 24 — English. US officials were reported by Al Jazeera to have cited an alleged association with suspected individuals as the reason for the denial, though the details remain unclear.
The US has defended the visa denials, which have also affected Iranian team officials and fans. Al Jazeera reported that the United States has insisted it must ensure "the right people" are allowed in, while critics have described the border policies as discriminatory. Infantino acknowledged the situation, saying that FIFA does not dictate visa rules and that sometimes "shouting and screaming" is counterproductive, a sentiment echoed by the Buenos Aires Times.
Ticket prices have also drawn attention, with Infantino defending them during the press conference. Reports from Africa News and France 24 — English noted that the president said the tournament offers "the best experience" and that prices are not as high as they might appear. Critics, however, have pointed to the high cost of attending matches, especially given the travel requirements for teams like Iran, which have been forced to base themselves in Mexico and fly to the US for games.
Infantino also expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the tournament overall, saying the US "would not have been possible" without the support of President Donald Trump's administration, a claim reported by the Buenos Aires Times. He insisted that FIFA has no regrets about choosing the US, Canada, and Mexico as hosts.
Meanwhile, the Iranian team's travel difficulties have drawn particular attentionches. The team is reportedly having to shuttle between Tijuana, Mexico, and match venues in the United States, a logistical challenge that some observers say could affect performance. The Buenos Aires Times and Al Jazeera both reported on the short-term visas imposed on the Iranian delegation, which require them to leave the US after each game.
France 24 — English raised a broader question in its coverage: whether the controversies, including the denial of entry to the Somali referee and restrictions on Iranian fans, could "ruin" the tournament. The outlet noted that the opening match at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca offered some reassurance, but the build-up in the US has been overshadowed by the visa issues.
Infantino's press conference, held at the Estadio Azteca, was also an opportunity to address other issues. He said FIFA would continue to work with member associations to resolve visa problems, but reiterated that the organisation has no control over national border policies.
The tournament is the first to be co-hosted by three countries, with matches scheduled across the US, Mexico, and Canada. The US hosts the majority of games, and the visa row has raised questions about accessibility for fans and officials from certain countries.
As of now, the Somali referee has been removed from the roster for the tournament, according to reports from Africa News and the Buenos Aires Times. The Iranian team continues to operate under travel restrictions, and several Iranian fans have reportedly been refused entry.
While Infantino's comments have offered some reassurance about FIFA's position, the controversies surrounding the World Cup are likely to continue as the tournament progresses. The French and Argentine outlets have both reported that the debate over US border policies is far from settled, but the focus for now remains on the football as the opening match takes place in Mexico City.