FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to face journalists on Wednesday on the eve of the World Cup, as off-field controversies continue to dominate preparations for the expanded tournament.
Infantino is expected to confront questions over soaring ticket prices and immigration-related issues that have already affected participation, including cases of officials and fans being barred from entering the United States, one of the co-hosts.
He will address the media in Mexico City ahead of the opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday.
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is the first to feature 48 teams and is billed as the largest edition in World Cup history.
However, tensions have intensified following the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, a leading African official, by US immigration authorities.
Artan described the decision as devastating, saying his “biggest dream” had been taken away after he was turned back at the US border following lengthy questioning and detention at Miami International Airport.
A US State Department official, however, alleged he was linked to suspected members of terrorist organisations, making him ineligible for entry.
Artan, who was named Africa’s men’s referee of the year in 2025, has since returned to Somalia, where he was received by supporters, and vowed to officiate at the next World Cup in 2030.
“I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud,” he said.
Meanwhile, concerns have also emerged over potential disruption to the tournament opener in Mexico City, where protests briefly blocked roads leading to the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday.
Security forces prevented demonstrators from reaching the stadium, as thousands joined nationwide protests described by President Claudia Sheinbaum as a “provocation.”
The Mexican leader has, however, insisted that the opening match is secure and will go ahead as planned.
On the pitch, Argentina captain Lionel Messi eased injury concerns by scoring in a pre-tournament warm-up match after returning from a hamstring problem.
The 38-year-old, appearing in what is expected to be his sixth World Cup, came off the bench to score a penalty in Argentina’s 3–0 win, boosting hopes of another strong title defence.
Argentina, along with Spain, France and England, are among the favourites heading into the tournament, with their opening fixture scheduled for June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City.
