Infantino Urges Calm Over Referee's US Entry Issue Amid Ticket Controversy
WHO:
AP News - FIFA President Gianni Infantino
AP News - Somali referee Omar Artan
AP News - U.S. Customs and Border Protection
AP News - Iran’s national soccer team
WHAT:
Daily Mail Sports - Infantino stated that the opening match of the World Cup is between Mexico and South Africa.
Los Angeles Times - Infantino mentioned that the Iranian team will play two matches at SoFi Stadium, one against New Zealand and another against Belgium on June 21.
Los Angeles Times - Infantino noted that 15 officials from the Iranian Football Federation were barred from entry into the U.S.
AP News - Infantino defended World Cup ticket prices, stating, “if we do something wrong, then probably everyone selling tickets in North America is doing something wrong.”
AP News - FIFA priced tickets starting at $140 for group-stage games, with regular seats for the final listed at up to $8,680 and hospitality seats at up to $73,200.
AP News - FIFA raised prices for the final to $10,990 and then $32,970.
AP News - Infantino stated that 130,000 tickets were offered to national federations for their regular supporters.
AP News - Infantino claimed the average ticket price was below $500 for the tournament.
AP News - Infantino said the get-in price on FIFA’s resale site for the World Cup final is $9,805.
AP News - Infantino stated that FIFA is projecting $11 billion in revenue for the tournament.
WHERE:
AP News - The press conference took place outside the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
AP News - Omar Artan was denied entry at Miami International Airport.
WHEN:
AP News - The opening match of the World Cup tournament is scheduled for July 19.
AP News - Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016 and intends to seek another term next year that runs through 2031.
WHY:
Los Angeles Times - Infantino emphasized that security is prioritized over other considerations, stating, "Our world is very aggressive; security is more important than anything."
AP News - Infantino stated that FIFA was powerless to influence the U.S. government regarding the entry of the Somali referee due to unspecified “vetting concerns.”
AP News - Infantino emphasized the need to respect security decisions made by governments.
HOW:
Los Angeles Times - Infantino explained that the ticket prices were set based on various market studies and the U.S. ticket resale market.
AP News - Infantino mentioned that FIFA checked with the best lawyers and experts before selling tickets to ensure compliance with legal standards.
(UPDATED June 11, 2026 08:30 UTC)
In a recent announcement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that the opening match of the World Cup will feature Mexico facing off against South Africa. He also shared that the Iranian team is scheduled to play two matches at SoFi Stadium, one against New Zealand and the other against Belgium on June 21. Infantino emphasized the importance of security, stating that 15 officials from the Iranian Football Federation have been barred from entering the U.S. due to heightened security concerns.
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(UPDATED June 10, 2026 23:39 UTC)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organization's ticket pricing for the upcoming World Cup, stating that if FIFA is at fault, then ticket sellers across North America share the blame. He revealed that while tickets for group-stage games start at $140, prices for the final can soar to nearly $33,000, with an average ticket price for the tournament projected to be below $500. Infantino also addressed the situation of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry at Miami International Airport due to security vetting concerns, emphasizing FIFA's inability to influence U.S. government decisions on such matters.