FIFA President Gianni Infantino said critics of the 2026 World Cup should “chill and relax” on June 10, 2026 [1].
The comments come as international supporters face significant hurdles regarding the affordability and accessibility of the tournament. Because the event is spread across three host nations [2], the logistical and financial burdens on fans have become a primary point of contention.
Infantino said on the eve of the competition's start to address growing frustration over ticket prices and travel costs [1]. He also responded to concerns regarding visa issues that have complicated travel for fans attempting to enter the U.S., Mexico, and Canada [3].
During the exchange, Infantino used the phrase “chill and relax” to push back against those questioning the tournament's accessibility [1]. He repeated the word “chill” while addressing reporters [4].
The 2026 tournament marks a significant expansion in scale, requiring fans to navigate multiple borders and currencies [2]. Critics have argued that the high costs of travel and the complexity of securing visas create a barrier for supporters from developing nations.
Infantino said the criticism was unfortunate as the organization prepared for the kickoff [5]. Despite the pushback, FIFA has not announced specific subsidies or streamlined visa processes to mitigate the costs for international travelers [1].
““Chill and relax””
The dismissive tone from FIFA leadership highlights a disconnect between the organization's commercial ambitions and the practical realities of global fandom. By hosting the tournament across three countries, FIFA has increased the logistical complexity for attendees; Infantino's refusal to acknowledge these barriers suggests the organization prioritizes the scale of the event over the ease of access for the average supporter.
