All articles tagged with #gianni infantino
Former President Donald Trump criticized the sky-high World Cup 2026 ticket prices, saying he wouldn’t pay $1,000 to watch the US play Paraguay in LA, while FIFA defended pricing as in line with major US sports. Group-stage tickets average about $567, with the final averaging around $13,000, and resale prices for sought-after seats can reach thousands as the tournament unfolds across 16 venues in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Top Iranian football officials left Canada before the FIFA Congress in Vancouver after immigration officials at Toronto airport allegedly behaved inappropriately and insulted Iran’s IRGC, which Canada designates as a terrorist group. The delegation, said to have official visas, returned to Turkey on the first available flight, raising doubts about Iran’s World Cup participation amid visa and security hurdles ahead of the tournament.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino reaffirmed his stance that Iran should participate in the World Cup in the United States later this year, telling CNBC that “the Iranian team has to come” despite the ongoing U.S.–Iran war. Iran is due to arrive in June for friendlies in Los Angeles and Seattle before facing Egypt, though Iranian officials have signaled possible non-participation; Infantino has pressed diplomacy and argued sports should transcend politics as FIFA has not rearranged Iran’s schedule.
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said he met with President Donald Trump, who reiterated that Iran is welcome to compete in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran qualified for the tournament and will play group-stage games in U.S. venues, but its participation is in doubt amid ongoing U.S.-led airstrikes and regional tensions. The conflict has affected oil prices and the global economy. Infantino also highlighted football’s unifying value and previously awarded Trump the FIFA Peace Prize.
Miguel Delaney argues the World Cup faces an unprecedented political crisis after a US attack on Iran, threatening Iran’s participation and forcing FIFA to balance diplomacy, security, and tournament integrity. The piece probes possible FIFA responses—from cautious diplomacy and clarifications to sanctions or contingency plans—to manage the fallout and protect the World Cup’s legitimacy.
FIFA announced the creation of a Peace Prize to be awarded at the December 5 World Cup draw in Washington, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino hinting that President Donald Trump may be the first recipient, highlighting their close relationship and Trump's influence in FIFA-related initiatives.
FIFA announced a new Peace Prize to be awarded at the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., on December 5, recognizing efforts for peace and unity. FIFA president Gianni Infantino hinted that the first recipient might be someone previously seen at the event, possibly President Trump, whom he praised for his energy and honesty. Trump, who has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize multiple times, was also present at the event, but did not win the Nobel this year.
FIFA announced the creation of the FIFA Peace Prize, to be awarded at the World Cup draw in Washington on December 5, recognizing exceptional actions for peace, with the award presented annually by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino announced the creation of the Fifa Peace Prize, to be awarded annually to individuals promoting peace through football, with the inaugural award to be presented during the World Cup draw in Washington DC, amid ongoing discussions of sport and diplomacy and close ties to Trump.
Donald Trump claimed to have custody of the original FIFA Club World Cup trophy since March, after FIFA president Gianni Infantino left it with him during a visit to the White House, and a replica was awarded to Chelsea FC after their win at the FIFA Club World Cup in New Jersey.
Donald Trump claimed he kept the original FIFA Club World Cup trophy for himself after a staged photo op, stating it was placed in the Oval Office and that a replica was used for the event, with the original trophy remaining with him.
During Chelsea's victory at the Club World Cup, former US President Donald Trump unexpectedly stayed on stage to participate in the trophy presentation, surprising players and officials, and was seen prominently in photos during the celebration.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the success of the revamped Club World Cup, which saw Chelsea win against PSG, amid strong political support from Donald Trump. The tournament was highly profitable for FIFA and participating teams, but faced criticism over player exhaustion and the tournament's impact on global football inequalities. Future plans include improved player welfare measures and infrastructure adjustments for the upcoming World Cup in North America.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino actively promotes the Club World Cup across the US, engaging in high-profile appearances and events, including a controversial visit to the White House with Juventus players, which drew media attention due to political discussions and the players' reactions.
The new format of the Fifa Club World Cup, expanded to 32 teams and held in the US, has been divisive; while some praise its global reach and excitement, critics cite low attendances, logistical issues, and player fatigue as concerns, making its overall success subjective.