Infantino could have stood up for the World Cup - but he said 'chill, relax'
Gianni Infantino faced the media for the first time in three years, but he did little to convince that Fifa has lost its grip on the organisation of the 2026 World Cup.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"Just, you know, chill, relax."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. But again, we don't control everything."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Unfortunately, our world is, you know, a very aggressive world, and security goes above everything."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"It really is a cabal run by elites."
— Todd Young , Politician
"You will be conquered by soccer."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"No controlamos todo. Tenemos que respetar el hecho de que no somos los reyes del mundo, no controlamos a los gobiernos, somos una organización deportiva."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Es cierto que también nos hemos visto confrontados con retos que prefiriríamos no enfrentar."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Tengo una excelente relación con el presidente Trump."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
"Habría sido imposible organizar una Copa del Mundo sin su involucramiento."
— Gianni Infantino , Executive
Key People
Iraq's World Cup striker who scored the goal that secured the team's qualification for the finals.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
President of FIFA.
Incumbent mayor of Los Angeles with a long political career.
Mikie Sherrill is the governor of New Jersey.
Somali referee Omar Artan was set to become the first from his country to officiate at the World Cup finals.
Todd Young is a Republican senator from Indiana.
Mayor of New York City.
Tags
All Coverage
Gianni Infantino faced the media for the first time in three years, but he did little to convince that Fifa has lost its grip on the organisation of the 2026 World Cup.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, widespread bipartisan skepticism surrounds FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, in the U.S., with officials from both major parties critical of FIFA's operations and pricing practices.
During a press conference ahead of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed controversial topics, emphasizing that FIFA does not control governments and highlighting efforts to unite the world through football.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Scottish FA withdraws support for Fifa president Infantino
The Scottish Football Association has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino and will not be voting for his re-election as president of Fifa, chief executive Ian Maxwell has told BBC Sport.
August 17, 2026 at 12:43 PMMalawi FA chief backs Infantino, credits FIFA investment for World Cup breakthrough - Reuters
Malawi FA chief backs Infantino, credits FIFA investment for World Cup breakthrough Reuters
August 12, 2026 at 11:46 PMFifa official sacked after Infantino plan criticism
Senior Fifa figure Kevin Lamour is sacked by football's world governing body three weeks after criticising its president Gianni Infantino.
August 17, 2026 at 08:46 PMNew Zealand break with OFC to withdraw Infantino support
New Zealand break rank with Oceania's football governing body to become the latest nation to withdraw support for Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
August 14, 2026 at 06:19 AMPremier League chief says Fifa self-destructed over World Cup plan
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has criticised Fifa president Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan, saying the organisation has "pressed the self-destruct button" by delivering "a self-inflicted wound".
August 18, 2026 at 04:18 PMFifa sacking 'deeply troubling' - Uefa executive
Fifa's decision to dismiss senior executive Kevin Lamour following his criticism of president Gianni Infantino sends a "deeply troubling message to all of us seeking change", says UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister.
August 18, 2026 at 05:51 PM