With less than 24 hours to go before Mexico and South Africa kick off the 2026 World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepped into the spotlight at the media center in Mexico City and delivered a message that was equal parts optimism, sales pitch and global group therapy session.
Speaking on the eve of the tournament, Infantino touched on everything from ticket prices and Iran’s participation to world peace, the magic of the Azteca and why everyone should just relax and trust FIFA.
On Iran
One of the first topics was Iran’s presence at the World Cup. Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, Infantino praised the efforts that made it possible.
“This is football, people should focus on a match. I am happy that we managed to have Iran play in this World Cup and I am proud and grateful to the organizers of the three countries for cooperating.”
Later, when asked whether FIFA had lost control of its own tournament amid various controversies (particularly the USA’s refusal to allow Sudanese referee Omar Artan into the country), Infantino pushed back.
“We need to respect decisions. I said relax because you have to trust that we are working. Some things we can make positive, some things we cannot. We managed to get Iran to play in the United States and I don’t know who else could have achieved that.”
If there was one message throughout the afternoon, it was clear: trust FIFA. FIFA has it covered. Probably.
On Ticket Prices
The FIFA president also defended ticket prices, a topic that has generated plenty of discussion among fans hoping to attend matches without having to refinance their homes.
“It is the lowest price of any American sport. Our average price of $500 is lower than the San Antonio playoffs. The World Cup will be watched by six billion people and the World Cup is more important than everything.”
Whether that comparison convinces fans is another matter, but Infantino insisted the numbers are backed by extensive research.
“There is a lot of analysis and experts who decide the prices.”
He also stressed that every dollar generated by FIFA is reinvested into football development around the world.
“Every dollar we generate goes back into football. For me as FIFA president it is important to invest in countries where nobody else invests.”
On Azteca
The conversation then shifted to Mexico and the role the legendary Estadio Azteca will play during the tournament.
“The magic of the Azteca will play an important role.”
Considering the stadium has already witnessed two World Cup finals, Pelé, Diego Maradona and countless historic moments, this was perhaps the least controversial statement of the day.
Infantino expressed excitement about the unique challenges teams will face across North America: “It will be great because countries will play in different places across different countries, the altitude of Mexico City, the tropical conditions of Miami, open stadiums and closed stadiums. Football has never been better and we are going to enjoy it.”
On Magic, FIFA and Unity
His final wish for the tournament was simple: “Let it be a celebration and let the celebration begin.”
But the strongest theme of the press conference was not football. It was unity.
Infantino spoke passionately about the current state of the world and the role he believes football can play in bringing people together.
“I believe in magic, in the power of the football and in the FIFA World Cup. I see the situation the world is in, but I also believe that an event of the magnitude of a World Cup can help.”
He pointed to Qatar 2022 as proof. “In Qatar there were people from all over the world together for a month because people want that.”
In Infantino’s vision, the World Cup is more than a football tournament. It is a month-long reminder that humanity can get along, provided there is a ball involved and enough tickets have been sold.
The FIFA president also explained the new pre-match anthem ceremony, which will involve more participants during one of the most emotional moments before kickoff.
“We are all part of the same team. We spoke with players, coaches and everyone thought it was a good idea. We wanted everyone to be part of such an emotional moment as the national anthems.”
As the countdown to kickoff enters its final hours, Infantino’s message was ultimately one of hope. “Our world, especially today, needs positive energy.”
And if football can deliver a little peace, a little unity and perhaps convince fans that $500 tickets are actually a bargain, then FIFA’s biggest tournament yet might already be off to a flying start.
