Follow Us on Google
By Lawrence Agbo
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway across North America, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended both the tournament’s ticket pricing structure and the role played by U.S. President Donald Trump in helping bring the competition to the United States.
Speaking in Mexico City on the eve of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Infantino dismissed criticism surrounding the cost of tickets and visa-related controversies that have overshadowed preparations for football’s biggest event.
The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is the largest World Cup ever staged, featuring 48 teams and running until the final in New Jersey on July 19. FIFA expects the competition to generate a record $13 billion in revenue.
Despite concerns over tickets reportedly selling for as much as $30,000 for premium matches, Infantino insisted FIFA had made affordable options available to fans.
“Let me just say that our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the play-off phases,” he said, adding that the average ticket price remained below $500.
The FIFA chief also sought to downplay controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States after immigration authorities raised security concerns. FIFA later confirmed that Artan would not participate in the tournament.
“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia,” Infantino said. “We don’t control everything. Sometimes it’s good to relax while solutions are being worked on.”
He also pointed to the successful participation of Iran despite tensions involving the country, describing it as evidence of FIFA’s ability to navigate complex international challenges.
Other News
“People were saying Iran couldn’t come to the World Cup. There were challenges, but they are here and competing,” he said.
Infantino reserved some of his strongest remarks for Trump, arguing that the U.S. president’s support was instrumental in ensuring the tournament could be staged successfully in America.
“Without his engagement and involvement, I think it would have been impossible to organize a World Cup in the United States,” Infantino said.
Trump, who revealed he had spoken with the FIFA president earlier in the day, said he plans to attend some matches during the competition. He also praised the tournament’s scale and anticipated success.
Meanwhile, attention is turning to the football itself as hosts Mexico prepare to face South Africa in the opening fixture at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos said his players must remain focused despite the prospect of playing before a crowd of more than 85,000 home supporters.
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre, meanwhile, hopes to end his country’s long-standing failure to win a World Cup opening match.
Elsewhere, South Korea and Czech Republic will contest the second match of the tournament, while favourites including Spain, France and England begin their quest for glory.
Defending champions Argentina will once again look to veteran captain Lionel Messi to lead their title defence in what could be his final World Cup appearance.
