FIFA President Gianni Infantino held a press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday to discuss final preparations for the 2026 World Cup [1].
The event comes as the governing body faces criticism over ticket pricing and visa restrictions that have impacted tournament participants. With the opening match scheduled for Thursday [3], the stability of the logistics remains a focal point for global fans and athletes.
Speaking from the Estadio Azteca, Infantino addressed the challenges of organizing a tournament that has expanded to include 48 teams [2]. The president responded to questions regarding a Somali referee who was denied a U.S. visa, and said to reporters to "chill and relax" [3].
Infantino defended his leadership and the organization's efforts during the 66-minute session [3]. "Nobody could have done more than me to ensure the tournament is a success," Infantino said [4].
The press conference occurred amidst legal tensions. Michel Platini has filed a criminal complaint against Infantino ahead of the tournament's start [5]. Despite these legal challenges, the FIFA president focused on the operational readiness of the host venues, and the scale of the event.
Infantino used the platform to push back against critics of FIFA's management style and the financial structures of the tournament. He said that the expanded format would bring more inclusivity to the sport, despite the increased logistical complexity of managing more teams across North America.
“"Chill and relax."”
The 2026 World Cup represents a massive scaling effort for FIFA, moving from a 32-team format to 48. Infantino's dismissive response to visa issues and the ongoing legal pressure from Michel Platini suggest a leadership style that prioritizes the image of success over the resolution of granular diplomatic or legal disputes. The focus on 'chilling' reflects a strategy to minimize controversy just as the global spotlight turns toward the opening match.
