FIFA defends ticket prices and visa handling ahead of World Cup start
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the organization's handling of ticket prices and visa issues ahead of the 2026 World Cup kickoff, calling for fans to "relax" amid rising criticisms over costs and immigration complications. Speaking in Mexico City on June 10, the eve of the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca, Infantino addressed concerns about soaring ticket prices and visa-related controversies affecting officials and supporters. The FIFA President justified the high ticket prices by citing the tournament's entry price of $60 as the lowest of any American sports in the play-off phases, with an average price below $500, which he said is again the lowest of American sports on average. Infantino defended the US$60 starting ticket price, noting that over six million tickets have been sold. He likened World Cup ticket costs to playoff […]