**FIFA President Infantino Addresses Visa Concerns Ahead of World Cup in the U.S.**
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has responded to concerns regarding visa issues affecting players and officials entering the United States for the upcoming World Cup. Speaking at a news conference in Mexico City, Infantino emphasized that FIFA, as a sports organization, does not have the authority to override government decisions regarding entry into the country.
The comments come in light of recent incidents where entry was denied to individuals with valid visas, including Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia who was removed from the tournament roster after being denied entry. Infantino described this situation as "unfortunate" but refrained from providing specific details about the circumstances surrounding the U.S. decision.
Infantino acknowledged the complexities surrounding visa approvals, especially as the tournament approaches. "We try always to find solutions – always," he stated, while also noting that FIFA's role is not to dictate terms to governments. He remarked, "We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces."
U.S. President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the matter, assuring that his administration is working to ensure that "the right people" are allowed into the country for the World Cup. Infantino reiterated that while FIFA is committed to facilitating the participation of all teams, it must respect the legal frameworks and policies of the host nation.
Infantino further suggested that patience is sometimes necessary when dealing with such issues. "Sometimes, to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect in terms of finding a solution," he explained, highlighting the importance of maintaining a constructive dialogue.
The 2026 World Cup marks a historic occasion as it will be the first time a host nation is engaged in an active conflict with another country. The ongoing U.S.-Israel war on Iran has added a layer of geopolitical tension to the tournament, with both nations seemingly leveraging the event for political purposes. Despite these challenges, Infantino expressed confidence in FIFA's ability to navigate the complexities of international relations, particularly concerning the Iranian team, which received visas just ten days prior to their first match in Los Angeles.
The Iranian players have opted to conduct their training in Mexico and will travel back and forth for their matches in the U.S. Infantino acknowledged the logistical challenges but remained optimistic about the successful participation of all teams. "It has been successful to bring Iran to play in America; I don’t know who would’ve managed to do that," he remarked, emphasizing FIFA's efforts to facilitate cooperation among nations.
As the tournament draws closer, Infantino's comments reflect FIFA's commitment to ensuring a smooth experience for all participants while navigating the intricate landscape of international diplomacy. The organization continues to work behind the scenes to address visa issues and support the teams as they prepare for one of the world's most significant sporting events.