Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defends the organisation’s handling of visa issues and its World Cup ticket pricing in comments reported by multiple outlets. Speaking at what several reports describe as his first press conference in three years, Infantino says FIFA has no regrets about hosting the tournament in the United States.
Infantino addresses criticism following reports that a World Cup referee was denied entry to the US amid suspected terror-related links. Several outlets report that he urges fans and critics to “chill,” framing the situation as one that should not be treated as proof of wider problems. He also argues that the World Cup ticket prices are consistent with those in North American sports, saying that if FIFA’s pricing is wrong, then other ticket sellers in the region are likely also doing something wrong.
Some reporting also notes Infantino commends FIFA’s efforts to secure Iran’s participation. Another outlet reports Infantino’s claim that US President Donald Trump played a key role in preparations. Overall, the accounts present Infantino as rejecting criticism and defending FIFA’s decisions on visas, pricing, and the host venue.
