FIFA chief Gianni Infantino addresses visa denial, ticket costs as World Cup 2026 opens

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization has no authority over U.S. immigration policy after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied a visa to enter the United States for the tournament. He described the situation as regrettable and emphasized that FIFA cannot impose its will on governments.

Infantino added that the 2026 World Cup will be the most inclusive and representative edition. Ticket prices start at US$60, with an average of US$500, and more than six million tickets have already been sold. He thanked Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for hosting the event, highlighted Lionel Messi’s importance for Argentina and football fans worldwide, and noted that the Iranian team will be staying in Mexico because of the U.S.‑Iran conflict.