Key facts
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino will face media questions regarding ticket prices and US immigration policies.
- Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States.
- Artan claims he was wrongly accused of association with terrorist organizations.
- Protests occurred near the Estadio Azteca ahead of the World Cup opening match.
- Lionel Messi scored a penalty in Argentina's final warm-up game, a 3-0 win over Iceland.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is scheduled to address the media on Wednesday, facing scrutiny over off-field issues as the 2026 World Cup build-up is overshadowed by controversy. Concerns include high ticket prices and the impact of US immigration policies, which have led to top referee Omar Artan being denied entry into the United States.
Artan, named the 2025 men's referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football, expressed deep disappointment after being turned back at the US border, stating it was the 'biggest dream of my life' to officiate at the World Cup. He was detained for hours after an 11-hour interview, despite asserting he had the correct visa. A US State Department official alleged Artan was 'associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations,' making him ineligible.
Meanwhile, potential disruptions loom for the opening match in Mexico City, where protesters blocked an avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured the match will proceed but ruled out using police to suppress demonstrations.
On the pitch, Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi showed no signs of injury, scoring a penalty after coming off the bench in their final warm-up game. The 38-year-old Messi's goal helped Argentina secure a 3-0 victory against Iceland, easing concerns ahead of their tournament opener.