FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke at a June 11, 2026 news conference in Mexico City one day before the World Cup opening, stating that the organization seeks solutions but must respect government authority on entry rules. Reports from Al Jazeera allege that Somali referee Omar Artan was barred from the United States, though this claim remains unverified. Infantino's verified remarks emphasize FIFA's role as a sports body without power over sovereign decisions.