FIFA President Gianni Infantino declared the upcoming 48-team World Cup as the most expansive global event ever created, speaking at a press conference at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.
His statements came just hours before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, which launches the tournament across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
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"This will be the biggest, best, greatest and most inclusive World Cup in FIFA history. Probably even the biggest event in the history of mankind," Infantino said.
The FIFA chief revisited past controversies by recalling his experiences during the previous tournament in Qatar four years ago.
"Today I feel Qatari," he said, adding that he felt Arab, African, gay, disabled, and a migrant worker during that period.
Infantino clarified that his previous statements aimed to represent underserved communities worldwide rather than spark political debates.
"There are always problems with a tournament of this size.
I felt very strongly that I had to give a voice to the majority in the world that was not heard.
The southern hemisphere, or whatever you want to call it," he stated.
European football officials noted that their operational perspectives have evolved following past tournaments.
"We have learned something from Qatar," said Marianne van Leeuwen, KNVB Director.
"From a Dutch perspective we mean something very well, but it can be understood differently in the rest of the world.
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