Infantino to face scrutiny as World Cup opens amid off-field concerns

MEXICO CITY: FIFA President Gianni Infantino is due to address the media on Wednesday on the eve of the World Cup, with the tournament build-up overshadowed by disputes over ticket costs and immigration-related problems affecting people involved in the event.

Infantino is set to hold a rare press conference in Mexico City, where co-hosts Mexico begin the tournament against South Africa on Thursday at the Estadio Azteca. The 2026 men’s World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, making it the largest edition in the competition’s history, with matches also scheduled in the United States and Canada.

Immigration row before kickoff

One of the most prominent controversies has involved Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States despite being selected as one of Africa’s top match officials. Artan said his long-held ambition of working at the World Cup had been taken away after he was stopped at the US border.

Speaking to The New York Times, Artan said "I am very, very disappointed. I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup".

Artan — named the 2025 men’s referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football — would have become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup. He said he was questioned for 11 hours by border officials at Miami International Airport, then held for several more hours in a cell before being placed on a return flight to Turkey.

Artan said " I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa".

AFP reported that a Somali government adviser confirmed that assertion. A US State Department official, however, told AFP that the referee was allegedly “associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations”, which the official said made him ineligible for admission to the United States.

After returning to Mogadishu, Artan received a public استقبال at the city’s main airport and said he remained determined to reach the next World Cup. Addressing more than 100 supporters and journalists, he said "I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud.. Despite what has happened to me, I am not discouraged".

Protests in Mexico City

In Mexico City, concern has also been growing over possible disruption to the opening game. Protesters blocked an avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday, though police lines stopped them from reaching the stadium.

The demonstration drew thousands after a week of protests that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum described as a provocation. Sheinbaum said the opening match was guaranteed to go ahead, while again ruling out the use of police force to suppress the protests.

Argentina complete preparations

On the field, defending champions Argentina ended their warm-up schedule with a 3-0 win over Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, helped by Lionel Messi’s return from injury. Messi, 38, had not played for Argentina during the pre-World Cup period after suffering a hamstring injury while representing Inter Miami in late May.

He came on with 20 minutes remaining before a full crowd of 88,000 and quickly made an impact, first supplying a through ball that led to Lautaro Martinez being fouled in the area, then converting the penalty himself. Messi, who inspired Argentina to the title in Qatar four years ago, is preparing to play in his sixth World Cup.

Argentina open their campaign on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. Alongside Spain, France and England, they are regarded among the leading contenders for the title.