FIFA President Gianni Infantino defends 2026 World Cup ticket prices and visa restrictions

FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the 2026 World Cup’s ticket pricing, noting that entry‑level tickets start at $60 and the average price is below $500, while final‑match seats can exceed $30,000. He said the pricing reflects market demand and helps deter scalping, and welcomed investigations by U.S. state attorneys general.

Infantino also addressed visa‑related criticism, explaining that FIFA cannot overrule sovereign governments on entry decisions. He called the denial of Somali referee Omar Artan’s U.S. visa “unfortunate” and urged fans to “chill” while the organisation works behind the scenes on solutions. The president highlighted Iran’s participation despite U.S.‑Iran tensions and emphasized former President Donald Trump’s role in securing the tournament’s U.S. hosting.

The controversy surrounds high ticket costs, legal probes in several U.S. states, and visa denials affecting officials and supporters, raising questions about the tournament’s inclusivity and FIFA’s ability to influence host‑nation policies.