FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has sought to ease concerns among African football fans regarding safety and hospitality in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at a Nairobi news conference, Infantino addressed worries from African journalists who raised fears that visitors from the continent might be treated as “outcasts” or “second-class citizens” in the U.S.
The FIFA President emphasized that everyone will be welcome, aiming to dispel misconceptions about the tournament’s hosting environment.
African fans’ apprehensions come amid broader concerns about the current climate in the U.S., with a South African reporter pointing out that some people “do not feel welcome” in the country.
Infantino responded by highlighting the recent successful hosting of the Club World Cup across 11 U.S. cities, where fans from 164 countries attended without visa or safety issues. He used this example to reassure African supporters that similar hospitality would be expected for the World Cup in 2026.
“Fans came from 164 countries to the month-long Club World Cup without of course any problems with visas”; Gianni Infantino mentioned.
Alongside Infantino, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe also expressed confidence in the ability to meet the needs of African fans. Motsepe assured that adequate access and arrangements will be in place to accommodate African supporters during the tournament.
“We are confident that we will fulfil whatever requirements they may have and there will be sufficient access to African fans in the World Cup next year,” Motsepe said.
Their joint message underlined a commitment to inclusivity and equal treatment for all fans attending the event. Infantino described the 2026 World Cup as a critical moment for global unity, calling on fans to embrace positivity ahead of what he predicted would be “the greatest FIFA World Cup ever.”
Tickets for all 104 matches are set to go on sale on September 10, marking the start of preparations for a highly anticipated global football festival.
The tournament aims not only to showcase top-tier soccer but also to foster international friendship and harmony through sport, addressing and overcoming concerns raised by fans from Africa and other parts of the world.
