FIFA President Says He Would Have Driven Iran Team to 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said he would have driven the Iran team to the 2026 World Cup if needed because some players and staff faced visa difficulties entering the United States. Infantino made the statement during a press conference on Wednesday in a tent near Estadio Ciudad de México, the former Estadio Azteca that has been renamed for the tournament.

Mexico will host South Africa on Thursday in the first match of the 2026 World Cup, which will span three countries.

U.S. government’s refusal to grant entry to Somali referee Omar Artan. S. officials cited links to suspected members of terror organizations as the reason for the refusal.

Infantino said FIFA does not control everything and sometimes it is good to relax while working to solve problems. S. sports playoff games. Infantino praised renovations at the Azteca stadium and recalled Pelé’s triumph at the 1970 World Cup and Diego Maradona’s goal at the 1986 World Cup.

Protesters gathered nearby over working conditions. Riot police have been outside the stadium for days and will have a greater presence in the days to come. Protesters have threatened to shut the opening match down entirely.

When asked how the World Cup can unite people, Infantino said he believes in the potential of the event and that human beings are profoundly good. S. president’s support.