"We Want to Unite the World": Infantino's Powerful Message as World Cup 2026 Begins
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has emphasized football's power to bring people together, saying the FIFA World Cup 2026 can serve as a unifying force during a period marked by global tensions and uncertainty.
Speaking ahead of the tournament opener at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca, Infantino repeatedly stressed the importance of unity through sport.
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"When Iran plays, the stadium will be full and I hope there will be a positive atmosphere because this is football," Infantino said. "We want to unite the world."
The FIFA chief also defended the organization's ticket pricing strategy after criticism from some supporters who argued that attending World Cup matches had become too expensive.
Lighting up the night sky in Mexico City for the #FIFAWorldCup ✨#NovaSkyStories pic.twitter.com/K3uW3iw2Y1
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 11, 2026
According to FIFA, more than six million tickets have already been sold for the expanded 48-team tournament, with demand exceeding expectations by "a factor of 10 or more."
"The starting price at $60 is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the playoff phases," Infantino said.
He argued that lower official prices would only encourage ticket resales at much higher rates on secondary markets, adding that revenue generated from the tournament is reinvested into football development worldwide.
"Every dollar that comes in goes back to the development of football," he said.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially kicks off at Mexico City's historic Estadio Azteca, which becomes the first stadium in history to host matches at three men's FIFA World Cups.
Infantino predicted one of the most competitive editions of the tournament, citing factors such as altitude, climate conditions, travel demands, and the expanded format as elements that could create greater unpredictability.
Concluding his remarks, the FIFA President declared: "Let the celebration begin." :::
