FIFA Chief Infantino Under Scrutiny on Threshold of Global Soccer Tournament

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is scheduled to address the media on the eve of the World Cup, as various off-field issues have plagued the tournament's build-up, with the press conference set to take place in Mexico City on Wednesday.

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Infantino will likely face intense questioning regarding the exorbitant ticket prices and the recent immigration crackdown, which has resulted in a prominent referee, fans, and team officials being barred from entering the co-host nation, the United States.

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The FIFA President's press conference will precede the opening match of the 2026 men's World Cup, which will be played between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, marking the beginning of the largest and most ambitious World Cup in history, with matches also scheduled to take place in Canada.

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The tournament has been expanded to 48 teams, but the refusal of US immigration authorities to grant entry to Somali referee Omar Artan has highlighted concerns that Donald Trump's immigration policy may have a profound impact on the football event.

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Artan, who was turned back at the US border, expressed his deep disappointment, stating that his "biggest dream of my life" had been taken away, and he had been looking forward to officiating at the World Cup.

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Artan, the 2025 men's referee of the year, as named by the Confederation of African Football, would have been the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup, but was instead subjected to an 11-hour interview and detained for several hours before being deported.

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According to Artan, he had the necessary papers and visa, a claim confirmed by a Somali government advisor, but a US State Department official alleged that the referee was associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations, rendering him ineligible for entry into the United States.

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Upon his return to Mogadishu, Artan received a hero's welcome and vowed to participate in the next tournament in 2030, stating that he would continue to make Somalia proud despite the setback.

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Meanwhile, concerns are growing that the opening match in Mexico City may be disrupted by social unrest, as protesters blocked an avenue leading to the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday, although police lines prevented them from reaching the stadium.

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Thousands of demonstrators participated in the protest, which followed a week of action that Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has described as a "provocation," and while she guaranteed the opening match would take place, she ruled out using police to suppress the demonstrations.

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Lionel Messi, Argentina's superstar, made a impressive return to the pitch on Tuesday, scoring a goal moments after coming off the bench to dispel any injury concerns and help his team win their final warm-up game.

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Messi, who had been sidelined with a hamstring injury since late May, was introduced as a substitute with 20 minutes left to play against Iceland in Auburn, Alabama, and his clever through ball led to a penalty, which he subsequently scored to secure a 3-0 win for the reigning champions.

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Argentina's first match is scheduled to take place on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, and along with Spain, France, and England, they are among the favorites to win the title, with Messi set to feature in his sixth World Cup.