FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the handling of visa arrangements and ticket pricing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that football’s global governing body is working to resolve concerns but cannot override sovereign government decisions.
Speaking in Mexico City on the eve of the tournament’s opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa, Infantino addressed mounting criticism from fans, teams and officials over entry restrictions and rising costs associated with attending the competition.
The expanded World Cup, jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, has already been overshadowed by reports of visa delays and denials affecting supporters from several countries, particularly those outside the traditional travel corridors of North America and Europe.
Infantino acknowledged the challenges but made clear that FIFA does not control immigration systems. “We are working to find solutions,” he said, emphasising that visa issuance ultimately falls under the authority of national governments. “We cannot override government decisions.”
The comments come amid growing frustration from fans and advocacy groups who argue that the visa process has created barriers for supporters hoping to attend matches. Some cases have involved delays, while others have reportedly seen outright denials, raising concerns about fairness and accessibility at what is billed as the world’s most inclusive sporting event.
FIFA has said it is in ongoing discussions with host governments to streamline entry processes and ensure that legitimate ticket holders can attend the tournament. However, the organisation has stopped short of committing to specific policy changes, instead focusing on coordination and facilitation.
Ticket pricing has also become a major point of contention. Critics have argued that the cost of attending matches, combined with travel and accommodation expenses, risks pricing out large segments of global fans, particularly from developing countries.
Infantino defended FIFA’s pricing structure, stating that the organisation is balancing financial sustainability with accessibility. He noted that the World Cup is a massive global event involving significant infrastructure, logistics and operational costs, which must be reflected in ticketing strategies.
At the same time, FIFA has introduced tiered pricing systems and targeted allocations aimed at making some tickets available at lower price points, particularly for local fans in host countries. However, demand for high-profile matches and knockout stage fixtures has pushed prices significantly higher in secondary markets.
The visa and ticketing controversies highlight broader tensions surrounding the modern World Cup, which has grown dramatically in scale. The 2026 edition features an expanded format with 48 teams, increasing the number of matches, host cities and logistical demands.
While the expansion is designed to increase global participation, it has also introduced new complexities, particularly in coordinating policies across multiple host nations with different immigration rules and economic conditions.
Analysts say the situation reflects a deeper structural issue in global sports governance, where international organisations like FIFA rely on national governments for implementation but are held accountable by fans for outcomes.
Human rights groups and football associations have also raised concerns about potential discrimination in visa approvals, warning that uneven access could undermine the spirit of the tournament.
Despite the criticism, Infantino struck a conciliatory tone, urging patience and cooperation as the tournament begins. He reiterated that FIFA’s priority is to deliver a successful World Cup that brings people together through sport, even as it navigates complex geopolitical and logistical realities.
As the opening match kicks off, attention will remain firmly on how FIFA and host governments manage these issues in real time, particularly as millions of fans travel across borders for the first World Cup hosted by three nations.
The success of the tournament may ultimately depend not only on what happens on the pitch, but also on how effectively organisers address the concerns shaping the experience of supporters worldwide.
