2026 World Cup: FIFA breaks silence on visa issues

FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has claimed they don’t have control over everything.

Infantino was speaking on the eve of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, while addressing issues around visas into the United States.

When asked if he felt the world football governing body had “lost control of the tournament”.

These accusations came up after Somali referee Omar Artan was turned away at the US border and members of Iran team’s support staff were refused visas.

“We try always to find solutions, but then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces, we are a sports organization,” Infantino said at a press conference.

The tournament kicks off on Thursday, with one of the co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa.