FIFA President Gianni Infantino held a press conference in Mexico City to address concerns regarding ticket pricing and visa entries for the 2026 World Cup [1].
As the tournament expands to include 48 teams [2], the logistics of moving millions of fans across North American borders have become a primary point of friction for international supporters.
Infantino said the organization is focused on accessibility for the global fanbase. "We are working hard to make tickets affordable and to get visas processed quickly for fans," Infantino said [1]. He said the goal is for supporters to experience the event without the stress of administrative delays.
"We want fans to enjoy the tournament without worrying about visas," Infantino said [3].
The president's appearance in Mexico City follows previous engagements in the region, including an appearance in the Zócalo public square on March 31, 2026 [4]. During the recent press event, Infantino addressed the scrutiny surrounding the organization's preparations and its responsiveness to public criticism.
"If we are doing something wrong, everyone will tell us," Infantino said [5].
The 2026 tournament marks a significant shift in the scale of the event. With 48 teams competing [2], the demand for travel documents and affordable seating is expected to reach unprecedented levels. FIFA officials are coordinating with host nations to streamline entry requirements to prevent bottlenecks at borders.
Infantino's comments aim to reassure the public that the governing body is managing these challenges responsibly ahead of the opening match.
“"We are working hard to make tickets affordable and to get visas processed quickly for fans."”
The expansion to 48 teams increases the complexity of international travel and ticketing logistics. By addressing these issues publicly in Mexico City, FIFA is attempting to mitigate potential diplomatic or logistical failures that could alienate fans or create security bottlenecks at the borders of the host nations.
