FIFA President Gianni Infantino detailed preparations for the 2026 World Cup during a press conference in Mexico City [1, 4].
The briefing highlighted the logistical challenges and structural changes facing the tournament as it expands to include more nations than ever before.
Infantino spoke for 66 minutes [2] during the event held on June 15, 2023 [3, 4]. A primary focus of the discussion was the shift to a 48-team format [5], which increases the scale of the global competition. This expansion aims to provide more opportunities for nations to participate on the world stage.
Addressing administrative hurdles, Infantino responded to reports regarding visa denials for officials, including a Somali referee. He said to "chill and relax" [3] regarding the situation.
The president also faced questions about the cost of attending the tournament. While some reports indicate bipartisan backlash over high costs, Infantino defended the strategy, saying, "Fans have been invited to pay the proper amount" [4].
The 2026 event will be hosted across North America, necessitating complex coordination between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Infantino used the Mexico City appearance to signal that preparations are moving forward despite the increased number of participating teams and the associated travel requirements.
Throughout the session, the FIFA chief emphasized the goal of making the tournament accessible while maintaining the financial viability of the expanded structure. He said that the organization is working to resolve the visa issues affecting participating nations and their officials to ensure a smooth operation for all teams [3].
“"Chill and relax"”
The expansion to 48 teams represents a significant shift in the World Cup's global footprint, increasing both the prestige for smaller nations and the logistical burden on host countries. The tension between ticket pricing and accessibility, alongside diplomatic friction regarding visas, suggests that FIFA's primary challenges for 2026 may be administrative and political rather than purely athletic.
