The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway on Thursday as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, marking the start of the largest tournament in the competition’s history.
Hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada, the expanded tournament features 48 teams and will run for nearly six weeks before concluding with the final in New Jersey on July 19.
FIFA expects the competition to generate a record-breaking $13 billion in revenue, underscoring the commercial significance of the global football showpiece, The News Edition reports.
However, the buildup to the tournament has been overshadowed by criticism over soaring ticket prices and visa-related challenges affecting officials, team representatives and supporters.
Speaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organization’s preparations and dismissed concerns surrounding ticket costs and entry restrictions.
The FIFA chief argued that ticket pricing remains competitive compared to major sporting events in North America, despite reports that premium tickets for some matches have exceeded $30,000.
According to Infantino, a number of lower-priced tickets were made available following public criticism, with entry-level seats offered for as little as $60.
FIFA Responds to Visa Concerns
FIFA has also come under scrutiny following reports that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States.
The organization later confirmed that Artan would not participate in the tournament after US authorities reportedly raised security concerns.
Reacting to the controversy, Infantino described the development as unfortunate but stressed that FIFA does not have direct control over national immigration policies.
He noted that the governing body continues to work with relevant authorities to address challenges affecting participants and officials.
The FIFA president also highlighted Iran’s participation in the World Cup despite ongoing tensions with the United States, describing it as evidence of football’s ability to unite nations during difficult circumstances.
According to Infantino, concerns had been raised about whether Iran would be able to compete, but FIFA successfully ensured the country’s involvement in the tournament.
Trump Praises Tournament
Infantino also commended US President Donald Trump for his support of the World Cup, saying his administration played a key role in facilitating the event’s organization.
The FIFA chief suggested that hosting a tournament of such magnitude in the United States would have been significantly more difficult without government cooperation.
Trump, meanwhile, confirmed that he plans to attend selected World Cup matches during the tournament, although specific fixtures were not disclosed.
The US president also expressed confidence in the competition’s success, citing discussions with Infantino and describing the tournament as an unprecedented sporting event.
As the opening match approaches, attention now shifts from off-field controversies to the action on the pitch, with millions of fans around the world set to follow what promises to be a historic edition of the FIFA World Cup.