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Mexico City, Mexico – June 10, 2026 — FIFA President Gianni Infantino delivered a blunt message to critics questioning preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup: “Chill, relax.”
Speaking during a pre-tournament press conference ahead of the historic World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Infantino defended FIFA’s management of the competition amid growing concerns surrounding visa issues, ticket affordability, and logistical challenges.
The FIFA chief was responding to questions from BBC Sport Editor Dan Roan, who pressed him on whether the governing body had lost control of key aspects of the tournament following a series of controversies.
Rather than expressing concern, Infantino urged observers to trust FIFA’s efforts behind the scenes.
“Chill, relax. We work on everything. We try to solve everything,” Infantino said. “And when I say to chill, I don’t mean to chill and do nothing. I mean to trust us that we are working behind the scenes.”
Visa Concerns and Entry Restrictions
One of the most significant issues facing tournament organizers has been travel and entry restrictions affecting fans, officials, and participants.
Recent attention has focused on the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who reportedly encountered difficulties obtaining entry authorization to the United States. The incident reignited concerns about how immigration policies could impact what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history.
Critics argue that fans from certain countries may face similar obstacles, potentially limiting attendance and undermining the tournament’s goal of bringing the global football community together.
Infantino acknowledged the challenges but emphasized that FIFA cannot control national immigration policies.
“We are a sports organization,” he noted, stressing that governments ultimately make decisions regarding visas and border security.
Ticket Prices Draw Scrutiny
Another major source of criticism has been the cost of attending matches.
Supporters have voiced frustration over what many describe as record-high ticket prices, raising fears that ordinary football fans could be priced out of the event. The issue has become particularly sensitive given FIFA’s repeated emphasis on inclusivity and global accessibility.
While defending FIFA’s approach, Infantino highlighted the unprecedented scale of the tournament, which will feature 48 teams and matches spread across three nations.
Historic Tournament Approaches
Despite the controversies, FIFA continues to promote the 2026 World Cup as a landmark event for international football.
The tournament will be the first World Cup jointly hosted by three countries and the first to feature an expanded 48-team format. Organizers expect millions of visitors and record-breaking television audiences across the globe.
Infantino urged supporters to focus on the positive aspects of the competition rather than the challenges dominating headlines.
He described football as a unifying force capable of bringing people together regardless of political or cultural differences and expressed confidence that preparations would ultimately deliver a successful tournament.
Mixed Reactions
Infantino’s comments quickly generated debate online.
Supporters praised his confidence and viewed the remarks as a practical reminder that complex global events inevitably face obstacles. Critics, however, argued that telling people to “chill” risked appearing dismissive toward legitimate concerns surrounding access, affordability, and tournament organization.
With kickoff rapidly approaching, scrutiny of FIFA’s preparations is unlikely to fade.
For now, however, the organization’s president is urging patience.
Whether fans choose to relax remains another question entirely.
WWM will continue providing comprehensive coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the tournament unfolds across North America.