FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the United States as a host for the upcoming World Cup, stating that the global football body cannot override government decisions on entry and visa approvals. Infantino addressed concerns about visa issues and entry denials for players and officials on Wednesday, emphasizing FIFA's role as a sports organization rather than a governing body with power over national governments.

Infantino's remarks come amid ongoing challenges for some individuals seeking to enter the US for the tournament. He acknowledged that FIFA's influence is limited when it comes to national policies, stating, "We are a sports organisation; we try to do our best with the means that we have." He added that FIFA aims to find solutions but must respect governmental authority.

Earlier in the week, Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, was denied entry into the US despite holding a valid visa. FIFA subsequently removed him from the tournament roster. Infantino described the situation as "unfortunate" but did not provide specific details about the US decision. The FIFA chief's comments followed statements from US President Donald Trump, who indicated his administration is working to ensure "the right people" enter the country for the World Cup.

Infantino suggested that a measured approach is often more effective when dealing with such issues. "Sometimes, to immediately start screaming and shouting has the opposite effect in terms of finding a solution," he commented, advocating for a behind-the-scenes approach to resolving problems.

Despite the visa complications, Infantino expressed no regrets about selecting the US as one of the three host nations for the expanded 48-team tournament. He stressed that FIFA is actively working to understand and address issues, even if not all information is immediately available to them. Infantino clarified that FIFA's approach is not one of inaction but rather a strategic effort to find positive resolutions.

The World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to feature 48 teams. The tournament's geopolitical context has been highlighted by the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with Iran's team having secured their visas ten days before their first match. The Iranian team has been training in Mexico and will travel to the US for games.

Infantino reiterated FIFA's commitment to facilitating the tournament and supporting participants, stating, "We always try to make things positive and find a solution." The organization's focus remains on the sporting aspect of the event, while navigating the complexities of international relations and national sovereignty.

The complexities surrounding entry and visa processes for international sporting events are a recurring challenge. FIFA's stance underscores the delicate balance between its role as a global organizer and the sovereign rights of host nations to control their borders.