MEXICO CITY — FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed a range of controversies during a press conference on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Defending Ticket Pricing and Organization
Infantino staunchly defended FIFA’s pricing strategy for the 48-team tournament, rejecting criticism that costs are prohibitively high. In response to reports of premium tickets being priced significantly higher, Infantino cited the availability of entry-level tickets priced at $60, which he claimed are the most affordable compared to other major U.S. sports leagues during their respective playoff phases. He further stated that the average ticket price remains below $500.
Regarding the overall tournament preparations, Infantino emphasized the collaborative effort involved in organizing the event across three nations and acknowledged the critical role of the U.S. administration in facilitating the logistical complexities of hosting.
Addressing Security and Immigration Controversies
The FIFA President also addressed high-profile challenges related to entry and security for tournament participants:
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Somali Referee: Infantino described the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan as "unfortunate." FIFA has confirmed that Artan will not participate in the tournament following security concerns raised by U.S. authorities.
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Iran’s Participation: Infantino framed Iran’s presence at the World Cup as a success for FIFA, noting that the organization worked to ensure the team could participate despite the significant geopolitical challenges.
Context of the Tournament
The World Cup is set to open on Thursday, June 11, 2026, with a match between hosts Mexico and South Africa at the stadium in Mexico City. While local demonstrations have occurred in the lead-up to the event, Mexican authorities have stated that security measures are fully in place to ensure the tournament proceeds as planned.
