FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the pricing of 2026 World Cup tickets and praised the role of U.S. President Donald Trump as football’s biggest tournament gets underway across North America.
The expanded FIFA World Cup officially begins on Thursday with hosts Mexico taking on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca, launching the largest tournament in football history.
The competition, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, features 48 teams and 104 matches, running until the final in New Jersey on July 19. FIFA projects the tournament will generate a record $13 billion in revenue.
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Speaking in Mexico City on the eve of the opening match, Infantino dismissed criticism over ticket costs, which have sparked complaints from fans after some premium seats and hospitality packages reached tens of thousands of dollars.
FIFA has argued that affordable options remain available, pointing to discounted tickets offered through national football federations and maintaining that average prices compare favourably with major North American sporting events.
The FIFA president also addressed controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States after immigration authorities raised security concerns. FIFA subsequently confirmed that the official would not participate in the tournament.
“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia,” Infantino said, stressing that immigration decisions ultimately fall outside FIFA’s authority.
The visa issue is one of several off-field challenges that have accompanied preparations for the tournament. Questions have also been raised about travel restrictions affecting supporters and officials from certain countries.
Infantino, however, pointed to the participation of Iran despite geopolitical tensions as evidence that FIFA had successfully navigated complex diplomatic obstacles ahead of the competition.
The FIFA chief reserved some of his strongest remarks for Trump, arguing that the U.S. president played a crucial role 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.
Attention now shifts to events on the pitch, with Mexico seeking its first-ever victory in a World Cup opening match despite appearing in seven previous tournament curtain-raisers.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side in front of an expected crowd of more than 85,000 fans at the Azteca but insisted his team was prepared for the occasion.
Mexico manager Javier Aguirre has urged his players to make history by ending the country’s opening-game jinx.
Elsewhere, South Korea face the Czech Republic later on the tournament’s opening day, while favourites including Spain, France and England begin their quests for glory.
Defending champions Argentina will once again look to captain Lionel Messi, now 38, as they attempt to retain the trophy in what could be the legendary forward’s final World Cup appearance.
