Infantino plays the hits as Fifa’s defender-in-chief on eve of World Cup | Pablo Iglesias Maurer
Summary
Fifa President Gianni Infantino spoke before the 2026 World Cup opening match in Mexico City. He addressed several controversies about the tournament, including visa issues for the Iranian team, high ticket prices, and the US government’s refusal to admit a Somali referee.Key Facts
- Infantino previously made a controversial speech before the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, expressing empathy for various identities and migrant workers.
- The 2026 World Cup’s opening match will be held at the Estadio Ciudad de México (formerly Estadio Azteca) in Mexico City.
- Iran’s national team faced difficulties obtaining visas to enter the US, one of the host countries.
- Ticket prices for the tournament were defended by Infantino as comparable to major US sports playoff prices.
- Omar Artan, a Somali referee, was denied entry to the US due to alleged links to terror groups, a point Infantino discussed.
- Infantino acknowledged Fifa cannot change national laws but works to engage with governments.
- Protesters near the stadium oppose working conditions and have threatened to disrupt the opening match.
- Infantino expressed hope that the World Cup can unite people despite global and personal challenges.
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