FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that Iran, ticket pricing and visa issues are the three main concerns on the eve of the World Cup [1].
These challenges represent significant administrative and geopolitical hurdles that could impact fan attendance and team participation. Because these issues exist outside the sport itself, they have dominated headlines and created public concern immediately before the tournament begins [2].
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [2]. While the sporting preparations are complete, the logistical realities of moving thousands of fans across three North American borders have proven complex. Infantino said that the organization is attempting to manage these pressures, though he acknowledged the limits of FIFA's authority.
Regarding the cost of attendance, Infantino addressed the frustration of supporters over ticket prices. He said, "If we are doing something that is not affordable for fans, we will try to fix it, but we can’t control everything" [3].
The situation involving Iran remains a primary point of contention as the tournament approaches. When summarizing the most pressing issues, Infantino said, "Iran, tickets and visas" [1].
Infantino also touched upon the perception of FIFA's influence on global affairs and national policies. He said, "We are not the kings of the world" [4].
The visa issues are particularly acute given the multi-national nature of the hosting arrangement. Fans must navigate the entry requirements of three different countries, which has led to delays and uncertainty for international travelers. These administrative barriers, combined with the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran, have cast a shadow over the opening match celebrations.
“"Iran, tickets and visas."”
The admission from FIFA leadership highlights a tension between the commercial ambitions of the World Cup and the geopolitical realities of its hosts. By identifying visa and diplomatic issues as primary concerns, FIFA acknowledges that the success of the tournament depends as much on international relations and government cooperation as it does on athletic performance.
