Gianni Infantino addresses Mexico concerns ahead of 2026 World Cup
Speaking exclusively to AS, the FIFA president addressed 2026 World Cup concerns and spoke about Donald Trump’s support for soccer.
Gianni Infantino described Colombia’s new high-performance hub as among the elite worldwide during his sixth visit to the country, underscoring FIFA’s confidence in the 2026 World Cup hosts.
The Colombian Football Federation officially opened its High-Performance Accommodation Center in Barranquilla on Tuesday, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino attending as guest of honor. The head of world soccer called the facility “one of the five or ten best in the world.” This marked his sixth visit to Colombia, facilitated by Colombian Football Federation president Ramón Jesurún.
In an exclusive interview with 6AM W and AS Colombia, Infantino addressed several current issues, including the World Cup set to be played in June and July, his admiration for the federation’s new sports complex, and a message of reassurance regarding developments in Mexico, one of the host nations.
High-performance center sets new benchmark for Colombian soccer development
Speaking about the new High-Performance Accommodation Center, Infantino said: “Spectacular, for me it’s one of the five or ten best in the world, it breathes football, you live football and this complex gives the structures for youth or senior teams to prepare in the best possible conditions.”
He also dismissed speculation about expanding the tournament further. “No, at this moment we are focusing on this World Cup with 48 teams. In 2030 we will have the celebration of the 100 years of the World Cup and we are working on that.”
Looking further ahead, he confirmed that the 2034 edition will be held in a single nation. “In 2034 we will play in one country, in Saudi Arabia. Being the host of a World Cup is something gigantic. Having it in three countries – we already have 500 million ticket requests. The impact of a World Cup is enormous. Doing it in one single country is complicated, there are few that can organize it alone, and with more countries there is more celebration.”
Mexico, United States and Canada prepare for the 2026 World Cup
On concerns surrounding Mexico, Infantino struck a calm tone. “No, not worried. We are looking carefully at what is happening in Mexico. We are in contact with the presidency, with the authorities, and we have full confidence that everything will go very well: the playoff and then the World Cup. It will be a celebration.”
He also insisted that political tensions must remain separate from the sport. “It is possible, it has to be possible. We don’t do politics, we do football and we support everything good that football can do – unite countries, unite the world, help children, help peace – and clearly we have to have contacts and interactions with the leaders of this world and try to do something for the youth.”
Trump on soccer
Asked about Donald Trump’s relationship with the game, Infantino replied: “He likes football and especially his son Barron, so I have an ally in his house who helps me a lot to convince him. But the truth is that very quickly Trump saw the importance of an event like the World Cup, the importance in the world, and he helps us a lot.”
Other notable figures at the inauguration included Colombia national team head coach Néstor Lorenzo, CONMEBOL president Alejandro Domínguez, and Francisco Maturana, widely regarded as Colombia’s most important coach of all time.
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