FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said it would have been “impossible” to organise the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States without the involvement of U.S. President Donald Trump, amid growing criticism over political influence and immigration-related controversies surrounding the tournament.
Speaking on Wednesday at a press conference in Mexico City on the eve of the World Cup, Infantino highlighted his close working relationship with Trump, which he said has been central to the successful delivery of the expanded global tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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“I have a great relationship with President Trump,” Infantino said. “I’m very happy about that. I got to know him during his first mandate, and we have been working very closely together now in his second term.”
“Without his engagement and his involvement, I think it would have been impossible, as simple as that, impossible to organise a World Cup in the United States.”
Trump’s relationship is central to World Cup preparations
Infantino said Trump “understood the magnitude of the World Cup” and instructed his administration to support FIFA’s preparations for the tournament.
The FIFA president has previously maintained a close public relationship with Trump, including awarding him a newly created FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025 during the World Cup draw ceremony in Washington.
Visa controversy overshadows build-up
His comments come as the build-up to the tournament has been overshadowed by immigration concerns, including the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was set to become the first match official from Somalia at a FIFA World Cup.
US immigration authorities reportedly refused Artan entry despite him holding valid documentation, a decision FIFA has described as outside its control.
Asked about the case, Infantino described the situation as “unfortunate”, adding that FIFA “cannot control everything” and must respect decisions taken by host country authorities.
“It is unfortunate what happened,” he said. “But we are a sports organisation — we do not control immigration processes or border decisions.”
Calls for calm amid scrutiny
Infantino also urged patience and calm in response to wider concerns around logistics, ticketing and entry procedures, stressing that FIFA continues to work with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth tournament.
The controversy has added to wider scrutiny of FIFA’s relationship with political leadership in the United States as the World Cup prepares to kick off across 16 host cities.
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