The biggest FIFA World Cup in history officially kicks off on Thursday as co-hosts, Mexico, face South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The highly anticipated match launches a sprawling, 48-team tournament hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The massive football extravaganza will stretch across nearly six weeks of competition, culminating in the final match in New Jersey on July 19.
While the tournament is projected to generate a record-breaking $13 billion (₦17.697 trillion) in total revenue, football’s world governing body, FIFA, has faced stinging criticism over the eye-watering cost of tickets.
Additionally, geopolitical tensions and President Donald Trump’s strict immigration crackdown have cast a shadow over the build-up.
Multiple tournament participants, including fans, Iranian team officials, and a top referee, have been refused entry to the United States.
Speaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, launched a spirited defense of the tournament’s organization and brushed off criticisms regarding visa denials and pricing.
Responding to backlash over ticket prices that have topped $30,000 (₦40,840,800) in some premium categories, Infantino cited a small number of $60 (₦81,685) tickets that were made available to the public.
He insisted that the seat pricing is appropriate, arguing that FIFA’s average ticket cost remains below $500 (₦680,710) making it cheaper on average than any major American sport during playoff phases.
Infantino also played down the growing controversy surrounding Somali referee, Omar Artan, who was turned away by US immigration authorities in Miami last Saturday due to security concerns.
The US State Department alleged that Artan had associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations—a claim that led to his removal from the tournament and a swift return to Somalia, where he received a hero’s welcome. “We don’t control everything,” Infantino said, urging critics to “chill” and “relax” rather than immediately shout when complex immigration issues arise.
The FIFA chief went on to praise his organization for successfully navigating the logistical hurdles surrounding Iran’s participation amidst its ongoing military conflict with the US, labeling it a diplomatic victory.
Infantino also acknowledged his close relationship with President Trump, maintaining that organizing a tournament of this scale in the United States would have been “impossible” without Trump’s personal involvement.
For his part, Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he spoke with Infantino and plans to attend several matches, declaring that there has never been anything close to the projected success of this World Cup.
