Infantino Defends Visa Policies and Ticket Prices for 2026 World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization cannot overrule national immigration decisions after U.S. authorities denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan ahead of the 2026 World Cup. He described the incident as “unfortunate” and stressed that FIFA is “not the king of the world” but a sports body that works to find solutions while respecting sovereign border rules. Infantino urged fans and media to “chill and relax” and warned that loud protests can hinder progress.
He also defended the tournament’s ticket‑pricing model, noting a $60 entry price is the lowest among major American sports and that every dollar generated funds football development worldwide. Despite criticism, Infantino said he has no regrets about the United States hosting the event and highlighted Iran’s participation as an example of football’s unifying power.
The president’s remarks came on the eve of the opening match in Mexico City, amid broader concerns about visa access for fans, officials and delegations from several countries.