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.
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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.
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