Just one day before the 2026 World Cup is set to begin, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has addressed growing concerns over visa issues affecting participants. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Infantino made it clear that while FIFA strives to resolve such challenges, the organization is not all-powerful when it comes to government policies.
Infantino stated, ‘We constantly seek solutions, but we must understand that we are not rulers of the world who can dictate to governments and law enforcement. We are merely a sports body.’ The remarks come after incidents where Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry at the US border and several members of the Iranian team’s support staff faced visa rejections. These events sparked questions about whether FIFA had ‘lost control of the tournament.’
The tournament officially kicks off on Thursday, with co-host Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match. Infantino’s comments aim to clarify the limits of FIFA’s authority over immigration and security matters in the host nation.