FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the United States’ position as host of the upcoming World Cup, despite recent issues with visa approvals for match officials. The controversy arose after a Somali referee was denied entry into the country. Infantino stated that FIFA cannot intervene in the sovereign immigration policies of host nations. He emphasized the organization’s focus remains on the football itself, not governmental procedures. This incident has raised concerns about potential disruptions to the tournament, but FIFA maintains its confidence in the US’s ability to host successfully. The US State Department has not yet commented on the specific case, but generally asserts visa applications are processed individually. Infantino’s comments aim to de-escalate the situation and reassure stakeholders about the World Cup’s smooth operation.