Infantino could have stood up for the World Cup - but he said 'chill, relax'

Gianni Infantino addressed the media for the first time in three years regarding FIFA's organization of the 2026 World Cup, but his statements did not alleviate concerns about the organization's control. Infantino's remarks followed a period of intense scrutiny, particularly concerning human rights issues and the logistical challenges associated with expanding the tournament to include 48 teams across North America. He acknowledged the "complexities" of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and stated that FIFA is "working very closely" with all stakeholders. However, critics pointed to a lack of concrete details on how FIFA plans to address potential human rights abuses or ensure fair labor practices during the construction of new infrastructure. Infantino's response to questions about these issues was characterized by calls for calm, with him urging attendees to "chill, relax" and trust FIFA's process. This approach has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and some football governance experts who argue that FIFA has not demonstrated sufficient proactive measures to uphold ethical standards in its major tournaments.