The FIFA President says he's been working closely with the U.S. government to ensure the safety for fans traveling to U.S.
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Infantino says visitors from around the world will be welcomedSays he's been given assurances from U.S. governmentClub World Cup kicks off next month, ahead of 2026 World CupWHAT HAPPENED?
The "world is welcome" in the U.S. for next month's Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said after a meeting this week with officials from U.S. President Donald Trump's administration.
"We had a meeting last week of the White House Task Force on FIFA World Cups with the government of the United States… And the world is welcome in America. Of course, the players, of course, everyone involved, all of us, but definitely also all the fans," Infantino said at the FIFA Congress, according to Reuters.
Infantino has been under pressure from the FIFA Congress due to his growing ties with Trump and the administration's immigration enforcement efforts. The comments came amid questions about potential challenges for the international fans traveling to the U.S. for both tournaments, including concerns over security and visas.
"This doesn't come from me; this comes from the American government," Infantino said. "Everyone is welcome, obviously, those who want to come and celebrate football … Those who want to come to create trouble, like in every country in the world, they are not welcome. They are not welcome anywhere in the world."
AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Infantino has repeatedly addressed potential concerns for international visitors at the upcoming events in the U.S. In April, he issued similar comments, saying, "It is very important we have the engagement of the different government agencies to make sure that security is guaranteed, that fans can travel to the U.S. and around the U.S., that transportation is working perfectly, that the world will be welcomed."
Human Rights Watch, a leading human rights organization, this week urged the FIFA President to be prepared to reconsider the location of the World Cup if the U.S. government can't assure the safety of travelers.
DID YOU KNOW?
FIFA anticipates as many as 6.5 million people could attend the tournament next summer, with matches also being played in Canada and Mexico, with 3.7 million expected to travel for this summer's Club World Cup.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR FIFA?
The governing body is inching closer to the first of its two major events, with the Club World Cup kicking off June 14.
