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2026 FIFA World Cup countdown: Where football meets politics

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a press conference ahead of the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Photo by Ismael Rosas-Eyepix Group-Sipa USA (1).jpg

Caption- FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a press conference ahead of the opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (Photo by Ismael Rosas-Eyepix Group-Sipa USA)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium, with football fans around the world eagerly counting down to the action. But even before the first whistle, controversy is brewing. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under fire over the handling of visa issues experienced by teams and referees ahead of the tournament. While excitement is building on the pitch, tensions off it are also making headlines. Here's what's happening.


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Updated

By Ben Lewis

Presented by Bhavya Pandey

Source: SBS



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The 2026 FIFA World Cup will kick off at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium, with football fans around the world eagerly counting down to the action. But even before the first whistle, controversy is brewing. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under fire over the handling of visa issues experienced by teams and referees ahead of the tournament. While excitement is building on the pitch, tensions off it are also making headlines. Here's what's happening.


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