MEXICO CITY (MEXICO) (ITALPRESS) – “I’m sure this will be one of the most spectacular World Cups, because there is no clear favorite. There are Spain, France, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, and then Japan, Morocco, Ecuador, and even Norway, who could be a surprise, in what will be the first World Cup hosted by three countries.” The eve of the 2026 World Cup begins amid anticipation, uncertainty, and the global dimension of a tournament destined to make history. In Mexico City, 24 hours before kick-off (Mexico vs. South Africa at 9:00 p.m.) of the World Cup hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the largest and most ambitious edition ever, amid sporting expectations, calls for unity, and organizational issues still at the center of debate.
For Infantino, the 2026 edition represents, first and foremost, a great opportunity for celebration and sharing. “It’s a moment of great happiness, and we can’t wait to see the ball roll across the pitch. We want to unite the world. We promote the unity of the World Cup and the opportunity to experience the emotions we all felt as children,” the FIFA president emphasized, emphasizing the deeper meaning of the event: not just a challenge between national teams, but an event capable of speaking to different peoples, cultures, and generations. Infantino then emphasized FIFA’s role in supporting the development of football globally. “Thanks also go to the countries that are not here, to the more than 211 FIFA member associations. It is thanks to the work of all of them that we are here today. We are reinvesting the revenues from the World Cup in all these countries, so that football can grow in every part of the world and the dream can live on everywhere,” he added, explaining how the revenue generated by the tournament is used to fuel the movement’s growth even away from the spotlight of the final tournament.
Iran was also among the topics discussed. “I met with the Iranian national team and promised them they would come to the World Cup. I said I would accompany them myself by bus if necessary. I don’t know who else would have been able, under these circumstances, to ensure Iran could come and play. When Iran plays, the stadium will be full, and I hope there will be a positive atmosphere, because that’s what football is all about: allowing people to forget their own reality and focus on a match and a team,” the FIFA president noted. Infantino also answered questions about organizational issues, particularly those related to the United States, one of the three co-hosts. “Do I regret the fact that the United States is a co-host? No regrets. I know the world of event organization very well, and of course there are problems: some come from the United States, but also from Canada and Mexico. Trump? I have an excellent relationship with him, and his contribution was crucial in ensuring the tournament could be held,” he assured.
The president of the international federation finally defended the work done on security and accreditation management. “It’s not easy when there are 300,000 accredited people, most of whom are from outside the United States, to manage and subject to the necessary checks. Unfortunately, ours is a very aggressive world, and security comes first. We must respect the decisions made, and when I say stay calm, I don’t mean sit back and do nothing.” Infantino’s message reaffirmed his confidence in the organization, ahead of a World Championship that promises to be historic in its size, format, and ambition.
– Photo Ipa Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
