FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed several contentious issues during a news conference held on the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, offering his views on topics ranging from travel restrictions and ticket pricing to international participation and the political support of US President Donald Trump.

Responding to questions about Somali referee Omar Artan, who has reportedly been unable to gain entry into the United States, Infantino downplayed concerns surrounding the situation.

The FIFA chief remarked that, at times, it is important to “chill and relax,” suggesting that the matter should not be overinterpreted ahead of the tournament.

Infantino also spoke about Iran’s participation in the World Cup amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. He said he was both “happy and proud” that Iran would be competing in the tournament and claimed that FIFA had played a significant role in ensuring the country’s involvement. “I don’t know who else would have been able to ensure they come and play,” he said, highlighting what he described as FIFA’s ability to bring nations together through football.

Addressing criticism over ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, Infantino rejected suggestions that supporters had been priced out of attending matches. He argued that selling tickets at significantly lower prices could have encouraged large-scale resale activity. According to Infantino, there was a risk that cheaper tickets would simply have ended up on the “black market,” making it harder for genuine fans to secure access to games.

The FIFA president also praised US President Donald Trump for his support of the tournament. Infantino stated that organizing a World Cup of such scale in the United States would have been “impossible to organise” without Trump’s involvement and backing, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between FIFA and government authorities in staging the event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to be the largest edition of the tournament in history, featuring an expanded field of teams and matches.

Source: BBC