- Infantino Faces Mounting Pressure as World Cup Opens Amid Immigration Row and Protests
FIFA president Gianni Infantino will step into the spotlight under intense scrutiny on the eve of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with growing controversy surrounding immigration policies, soaring ticket prices and security concerns threatening to overshadow the tournament’s opening celebrations.
Infantino is expected to face difficult questions during a rare press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s opening match between Mexico national football team and South Africa national football team at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by United States, Mexico and Canada, is the biggest in football history after FIFA expanded the competition to 48 nations.
But instead of the buildup being dominated solely by excitement for the tournament, FIFA has been forced to confront criticism over rising costs for supporters and fears that political tensions and immigration crackdowns could affect the global spectacle.
One of the biggest controversies erupted after respected Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States despite being selected to officiate at the World Cup.
Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football’s Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, would have become the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup.
The official said he was stopped by immigration authorities at Miami International Airport, questioned for 11 hours, detained further in a holding area and later deported back to Turkey despite possessing what he described as valid travel documents and a visa.
“I’m simply a referee trying to live the biggest dream of my life,” Artan said after the incident.
A U.S. State Department official later alleged that Artan had links to suspected members of terrorist organisations, making him ineligible for entry into the country.
The incident has intensified concerns that strict immigration measures in the United States could create additional obstacles for fans, officials and team personnel during the tournament.
Despite the setback, Artan received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Mogadishu and vowed to continue pursuing his World Cup dream.
“I will be at the next World Cup in 2030 and continue to make Somalia proud,” he said.
Concerns have also emerged in Mexico City ahead of the opening ceremony and first match.
Thousands of demonstrators marched through the capital on Tuesday, blocking roads leading toward the Estadio Azteca before police intervened to prevent protesters from reaching the stadium.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum described the protests as a “provocation” but insisted the opening match was not under threat.
She also ruled out using force to suppress demonstrations as authorities attempt to maintain calm during the high-profile tournament.
The controversies come at a sensitive moment for FIFA as the organisation prepares to launch its most ambitious World Cup project yet.
With 48 teams, three host nations and millions of travelling supporters expected across North America, the tournament represents a major test for football’s governing body both on and off the pitch..
