Infantino defends FIFA as barred referee, Trump absence and storms cloud World Cup opening day

The 2026 World Cup’s opening day arrived wrapped in controversy, as FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed a string of crises at a press conference at Estadio Azteca — from a barred referee to geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s participation.

Somali official Omar Artan was stopped at Miami International Airport after flying from Istanbul, with US Customs and Border Protection declaring him a national security threat. A White House representative cited his alleged “association with suspected members of terror organizations” as the basis for the ban, denying Artan the chance to become the first World Cup referee from his country. He returned to Mogadishu to a reception from government officials and fans waving Somali flags. “What happened has happened and it was unfortunate,” Artan said. “I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me.”

Infantino, facing questions over the episode and broader administrative disorder, told reporters to temper their criticism. “Maybe sometimes it is good to ‘chill’, relax, we work on everything,” the FIFA chief said, adding that the governing body does not have authority over sovereign border administrations.

On Iran’s participation, Infantino expressed relief that the team had been cleared to compete despite significant political obstacles between Tehran and Washington. “I promised them that they would come, and if I had to go with a bus to Tehran and drive them, I would do that,” he said. Geopolitical friction ultimately forced Iran to relocate their tournament base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.

President Donald Trump is not expected to attend the United States’ opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio set to lead the executive delegation at the stadium instead. Trump is reported to be remaining in Washington D.C. to attend walk-throughs for a UFC event taking place over the weekend.

Elsewhere, England’s final warm-up friendly against Costa Rica in Orlando, Florida, was delayed by one hour after severe weather struck the stadium, adding further disruption to an already turbulent opening day for the tournament.