Gianni Infantino Defends World Cup Ticket Prices and Celebrates Iran’s Participation Amid Challenges
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, addressed the challenges and successes of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup during a press conference at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca on Wednesday. The event marked the first time the stadium, a historic venue for the 1970 and 1986 World Cups, would host an opening match for a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Infantino Acknowledges Visa Issues and Ticket Pricing Controversies
Infantino confirmed that a Somali referee’s visa was denied by the U.S. government, preventing the official from participating in the tournament. “We have to deal with these issues,” he said, emphasizing that such challenges are “normal” for large-scale events. The FIFA president did not specify whether the referee’s exclusion would impact the tournament’s officiating structure, but he reiterated his commitment to resolving such issues “to the best of our ability.”
The press conference also focused on the high cost of tickets, with some matches, including the opening game between Mexico and South Africa, priced above 2,500 euros. Infantino attributed the prices to the “secondary market,” where tickets are resold through FIFA’s official platform. However, critics argue that the high prices were not solely driven by resales, as initial ticket prices for the opening match exceeded 2,000 euros. “We are used to fighting big and small problems,” Infantino said, adding that the tournament’s scale inherently involves “complexities.”
Iran’s Unique Situation: Campaigned in Tijuana Due to Visa Restrictions
Infantino highlighted the inclusion of Iran in the tournament, stating, “It has been a success to have Iran play in the United States. We don’t live on the moon; we live on Earth.” However, the Iranian team faced logistical hurdles, as U.S. visa restrictions limited the size of their delegation. As a result, Iran’s camp was relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, just days before their June 15 match against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The move underscored the geopolitical challenges of hosting a global event in multiple countries.
“We are grateful to the Mexican government and people for their support,” Infantino said, thanking President Claudia Sheinbaum and local authorities for their role in ensuring the tournament’s success. He also praised the “around seven million” fans expected to attend matches, as well as those joining celebrations in the three host nations and online.
Estadio Azteca’s Legacy and Infantino’s Vision
Infantino described the Estadio Azteca as “blessed by the gods of football” for hosting its third World Cup opening match. The stadium, which has hosted iconic moments like Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal in 1986, will kick off the 2026 tournament on June 12. “It has seen incredible things,” he said, emphasizing the venue’s role in the “first World Cup organized in three countries.”
The FIFA president also reiterated his positive relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, though he did not elaborate on the nature of their interactions. Infantino’s comments come amid ongoing discussions about the tournament’s organization, including security, infrastructure, and fan experiences.
Next Steps: Tournament Kickoff and Fan Engagement
The 2026 World Cup will officially begin with the Mexico vs
