Mayors express skepticism over FIFA and Infantino ahead of World Cup

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 8, 2026, 11:05 AM

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

Mayors express skepticism over FIFA and Infantino ahead of World Cup
Summary

Dozens of mayors and city leaders gathered in Washington, D.C. to voice concern over FIFA ahead of the World Cup, which starts Thursday. FIFA President Gianni Infantino's remarks about being 'conquered by soccer' received a lukewarm response from attendees. Many local officials criticized World Cup ticket prices, with some securing more affordable options. Even President Trump, who has allied with Infantino, expressed dissatisfaction with the costs. Despite bipartisan skepticism, some lawmakers remain optimistic about the upcoming tournament set to run through July 19.

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Key Details
  • World Cup hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada runs from Thursday to July 19.
  • Gianni Infantino faced criticism for his comments and FIFA's ticket pricing.
  • Mayors from major cities voiced skepticism about FIFA and ticket costs.
  • Trump has allied with Infantino but criticized World Cup ticket prices.
Latest Updates
  • 11:05 AMYahoo SportsFIFA and Infantino draw bipartisan skepticism ahead of the World Cup
What they're saying
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Dozens of mayors and other city leaders gathered in the ballroom of a Washington hotel on a snowy January morning this year gripped by anger and anxiety about the federal government's increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement operation that included the killings of two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis. “For the first time in 250 years of history of the United States of America, well, you will not just be invaded but you will be conquered,” he said as the audience at the National Conference of Mayors largely reacted with silence. “You will be conquered by soccer,” he added in an attempt to land the joke and get the crowd energized about the World Cup, which will be hosted jointly by the U.S., Mexico and Canada from Thursday through July 19.

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