FIFA Defends Ticket Costs, Visa Decisions as Expanded World Cup Kicks Off
By Jeff Unaegbu
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
FIFA has defended the pricing of World Cup tickets and the handling of visa-related issues as the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially gets underway on Thursday across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The tournament opens with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the beginning of the first-ever 48-team World Cup, which will run for nearly six weeks before concluding with the final in New Jersey on July 19.
Projected to generate a record-breaking $13 billion in revenue, the tournament has faced criticism over the high cost of match tickets and visa restrictions that have affected officials, team personnel, and supporters seeking entry into the United States.
Speaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organization of the competition and dismissed concerns surrounding visa-related controversies.
Infantino described the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan as unfortunate after the official was denied entry into the United States following security concerns raised by immigration authorities. FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not officiate at the tournament.
“We don’t control everything,” Infantino said, adding that FIFA continues to work with relevant authorities to address challenges rather than reacting publicly.
The FIFA president also highlighted Iran’s participation in the tournament despite ongoing tensions with the United States, describing it as a positive outcome for global football and international cooperation.
Infantino further defended his relationship with US President Donald Trump, stating that the president’s support played a significant role in ensuring the successful hosting of the World Cup in the United States.
“Without his engagement and involvement, I think it would have been impossible to organize a World Cup in the United States,” Infantino said.
Trump also confirmed on Wednesday that he plans to attend selected World Cup matches, although he did not disclose specific fixtures.
On the pitch, South Africa coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the challenge awaiting his team in the opening match, predicting an intense atmosphere created by more than 85,000 home supporters at the Estadio Azteca.
“They will have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing, but we have to focus on our game,” the Belgian coach said.
Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre expressed confidence that his side can break its long-standing record of never winning an opening World Cup match despite featuring in seven previous tournament openers.
“We have to break the statistic,” Aguirre said, noting that the record would serve as additional motivation for his players.
The second match of the opening day will see South Korea face the Czech Republic in Guadalajara.
Meanwhile, bookmakers have installed Spain, France, and England as the leading contenders for the title, while defending champions Argentina will once again rely on 38-year-old captain Lionel Messi as they seek to retain the trophy.
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