Key Takeaways
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization cannot dictate U.S. immigration policy and urged a “chill and relax” approach to visa complications.
- Despite tensions, FIFA succeeded in securing visas for the Iranian national team, while Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry due to alleged terror‑related associations.
- Infantino reiterated that FIFA respects governmental authority and works behind the scenes to resolve issues without public confrontation.
- The federation is also taking a relaxed stance toward ongoing investigations into World Cup ticket pricing in several U.S. states, emphasizing transparency and reinvestment of revenues into football.
- The 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will open on Thursday at Estadio Azteca with Mexico vs. South Africa.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed reporters in Mexico City ahead of the 2026 World Cup, acknowledging the limits of the sport’s governing body when it comes to national immigration decisions. He stressed that FIFA is not a supranational authority capable of overriding government policies or police forces, and therefore must work within the constraints set by sovereign states. “We try always to find solutions, always,” Infantino said, “but then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces.”
The remarks came amid a series of visa‑related controversies. Somali referee Omar Artan, who had made FIFA’s final list and was poised to become the first official from his country to work a World Cup match, was refused entry at Miami International Airport after arriving from Istanbul. A U.S. official cited his “association with suspected members of terror organizations” as the reason for the denial. Infantino expressed regret over the incident but reiterated FIFA’s limited influence: “It is unfortunate what happened to Omar… but again we don’t control everything.” He added that a confrontational public response would likely hinder rather than help resolution, advocating instead for a measured, behind‑the‑scenes effort.
Infantino also highlighted a diplomatic success story: despite strained U.S.–Iran relations, FIFA managed to obtain visas for the Iranian national team to compete in the United States. He noted that the team’s training base had been relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, to circumvent logistical hurdles, yet the squad ultimately cleared entry. “It has been successful to bring Iran to play in America… we don’t live on the moon, we live on planet Earth and we try our best,” he said, underscoring the organization’s pragmatic approach to navigating geopolitical sensitivities.
Beyond visa issues, Infantino addressed ongoing investigations into World Cup ticket pricing launched by attorneys general in California, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. He characterized FIFA’s posture as “very relaxed,” pointing out that the federation consulted top legal experts before selling the anticipated seven million tickets. In California alone, 800,000 tickets were sold for matches in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with only a handful of complaints that were resolved prior to any formal inquiry. Infantino welcomed the investigations, pledging full cooperation and transparency, and reiterated that all revenue generated would be reinvested into football development worldwide.
He also clarified FIFA’s ticket‑pricing strategy: while the average ticket price was reported to be under $500—comparable to playoff prices in other U.S. sports—the list price for certain premium seats reached as high as $8,680 for the July 19 final in New Jersey. After criticism, FIFA released a batch of $60 tickets to national federations for distribution to supporters, aiming to broaden accessibility.
The 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to kick off on Thursday at Mexico City’s historic Estadio Azteca, opening with a match between Mexico and South Africa. Infantino’s comments reflect a balancing act: asserting FIFA’s commitment to facilitating global participation while acknowledging the reality that ultimate authority over borders, security, and commerce resides with national governments. His repeated refrain to “chill and relax” serves as both a diplomatic reminder and a call for patience as the organization navigates the complex intersection of sport, politics, and law.