Gianni Infantino reassures African fans on travel and safety ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sought to ease concerns among African supporters about safety, visas, and hospitality in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Saturday, Infantino faced questions from African journalists who highlighted the unease felt by many fans on the continent about traveling to North America.

According to reporters, football lovers from Africa “are a little bit jittery” about recent developments in the U.S. and worry they may be treated as “outcasts” or “second-class citizens.”

“We are going to play it in a country where some of us do not feel welcome,” remarked a South African journalist.

He further emphasized: “I think the onus is on you, to make sure that Africa and all the other people of the world do not feel outcast, do not feel like they are being made second-class citizens in a world where equality should prevail.”

Infantino was quick to dismiss such fears: “Everyone will be welcome in North America next year for the World Cup. I think it’s important to clarify this, there are a lot of misconceptions out there.”

He pointed to the successful staging of the recent FIFA Club World Cup across 11 U.S. cities as proof: “Fans came from 164 countries to the month-long Club World Cup … without of course any problems with visas.”

CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who joined Infantino at the media event, also moved to reassure African fans of smooth access to 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,” said Motsepe.

Infantino went further to frame the World Cup as a unifying global festival: “The world needs occasions of unity,” he said. “Be positive, you will see there will be a great, great celebration of the greatest FIFA World Cup ever.”

The 2026 edition will be the first expanded 48-team format, staged between June 11 and July 19 across 11 U.S. cities, three venues in Mexico, and two in Canada.

Africa is guaranteed strong representation, with at least nine teams expected to qualify. Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa are currently leading their groups, while a tenth African side could still reach the finals via the intercontinental playoffs.

Tickets for all 104 matches will officially go on sale on September 10.