FIFA President tells media to 'chill' over World Cup visa, ticket controversies

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup kickoff, FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged critics to "chill and relax" during a press conference, regarding escalating controversies over US visa denials and steep ticket prices on Wednesday (June 10).

Infantino addressed the high-profile exclusion of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States over alleged ties to suspected terror organizations. While calling the situation "unfortunate," Infantino reminded reporters that FIFA does not rule over sovereign governments, pointing to their behind-the-scenes diplomacy that successfully secured US visas for the Iranian national team despite severe geopolitical tensions.

Additionally, Infantino brushed off ongoing pricing investigations by attorneys general in four US states. Defending ticket prices that peak at $8,680 for the final, he claimed FIFA is "very relaxed" about the probes, stating that average prices remain under $500 and that all revenue is directly reinvested into global football development.

The tournament officially begins today (June 11) with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa at the Estadio Azteca.