The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with a match between Mexico, one of the three host nations, and South Africa at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, marking the start of an expanded tournament featuring 48 national teams for the first time and lasting for about six weeks.

This edition, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is the largest in the history of the World Cup and will run until the final match in New Jersey on July 19.

It is expected to generate record revenues reaching 13 billion dollars, but FIFA has faced strong criticism over the high ticket prices. Meanwhile, a strict immigration campaign led by Donald Trump has resulted in a prominent referee, officials from the Iranian national team, and some fans being prevented from entering the United States.

At a press conference in Mexico City on Wednesday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino strongly defended the organization of the tournament and downplayed concerns related to visas.

Infantino confirmed that ticket prices, some of which exceeded 30,000 dollars, are appropriate, noting that a limited number of tickets were offered at 60 dollars in response to criticism.

He said: “Let me confirm that our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest compared to any American sports in the knockout stages.”

He added: “And our average price, which is under 500 dollars, is also the lowest compared to American sports.”

World Cup 2026. (AFP)

"We do not control everything" 

Infantino also downplayed the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Ardan, who was denied entry into the United States after arriving in Miami on Saturday, following security concerns raised by US immigration authorities.

FIFA later confirmed that Ardan, whom the US State Department said had “established links with individuals suspected of belonging to terrorist organizations,” will not take part in the tournament.

Infantino said: “It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. We do not control everything… sometimes it is better to be patient and calm, we are working on everything and trying to resolve everything.”

The FIFA president also considered Iran’s participation in the World Cup, amid its military tensions with the United States, an achievement for FIFA.

He said: “There were those who said Iran would not be able to participate in the World Cup. There are challenges, it is not easy, but I do not know who could have guaranteed their participation under these circumstances that we do not have control over."

Infantino’s close relationship with US President Donald Trump has drawn criticism, but the FIFA president said that without his support it would not have been possible to organize the tournament in the United States. “Without his involvement and participation, I believe organizing the World Cup in the United States would have simply been impossible.”

For his part, Trump said on Wednesday that he intends to attend some World Cup matches, without giving details.

He said: “I spoke with Gianni this morning… and he said there has been nothing close to this level of success expected for the tournament.”

A "deafening atmosphere" expected during the opening match

South Africa coach Hugo Broos warned his players that they will face a deafening atmosphere during the opening match at the Azteca Stadium, the iconic venue that hosted the World Cup finals in 1970 and 1986.

The Belgian coach said: “There will be 85,000 Mexican fans cheering and singing, but we must focus on our game, and if we manage that… we can deliver a good match.”

Mexico has never won its opening World Cup match despite participating seven times, but coach Javier Aguirre said he is determined to change that record.

He said: “We have to break this statistic. I will share this information with the players, and it will be an extra motivation.”

In the second match of the opening day, South Korea will face the Czech Republic in Guadalajara.

Spain, France, and England are considered the leading favorites by bookmakers, while defending champions Argentina are relying on their 38 year old star Lionel Messi to lead them to the final.