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Infantino faces criticism ahead of World Cup amid visa and legal issues

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 9:38 PM

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

Infantino faces criticism ahead of World Cup amid visa and legal issues
Summary

FIFA president Gianni Infantino met with U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the World Cup scheduled from June 11 to July 19. Infantino emphasized the need for an inclusive tournament, but tensions are emerging regarding visa denials for officials, including a referee from Somalia, and Iranian team members. Additionally, former UEFA president Michel Platini filed a criminal complaint against Infantino in France regarding his 2016 election. Concerns about high ticket prices and the extreme conditions players will face also contribute to the controversy surrounding the event. FIFA continues to face scrutiny over its practices and partnerships as the tournament approaches.

Source Links
Yahoo SportsAssociated Press
By the Numbers
  • •World Cup to take place in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19.
  • •Infantino insists tournament will be the 'greatest and most inclusive' ever.
  • •Visa denials affect referees and Iranian officials ahead of the event.
  • •Michel Platini files a criminal complaint against Infantino in France.
  • •High ticket prices and extreme environmental factors spark further criticism.
Latest Updates
  • 9:38 PMYahoo Sports — Infantino defends Trump ties as World Cup arrives under a cloud it can’t ignore
  • 11:10 AMYahoo Sports — Infantino problems: Closeness to Trump, visas and criminal complaint
  • 11:05 AMAssociated Press — FIFA and Infantino draw bipartisan skepticism ahead of the World Cup - AP News
What they're saying
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino paid another visit to United States President Donald Trump at the the White House and has also pledged again in the final countdown that the World Cup kicking off on Thursday will be "greatest and most inclusive" ever. Infantino said during last week's visit to Trump that "America is ready to welcome the world" for the June 11-July 19 tournament in the US, Mexico and Canada.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently addressed U.S. city leaders, joking about soccer "conquering" America as the World Cup approaches. Infantino's relationship with President Donald Trump is strong, but skepticism about FIFA spans political lines. Many l…

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FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Donald Trump was essential to pulling off the World Cup, despite controversies.

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