Miami: After attending five matches in five stadiums across each of the three host countries, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the FIFA World Cup 2026 has begun in a successful manner that has surpassed expectations.
According to Emirates News Agency, Infantino made these comments in Miami, United States, on the opening day of the FIFA Executive Football Summits 2026. These Summits, initiated in 2016 during Infantino's first year as president, serve as a platform for FIFA leadership and representatives from FIFA Member Associations to discuss a range of programmes, initiatives, and policies.
The current Summits will continue until 17 June 2026, featuring sessions on the FIFA Forward Programme, youth competitions, and FIFA's digital strategy, among other topics. The ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026 is also a major focus of these discussions.
Infantino expressed satisfaction with the 'incredible atmospheres' and full stadiums, noting that average attendance exceeded 63,000 in the initial eight matches. He highlighted the quality of play as evidence of increased global competitiveness, citing the 1-1 draw between Switzerland and Qatar at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium as an example of this development.
The FIFA President emphasized that football has become highly competitive worldwide, attributing this to the efforts of FIFA Member Associations. He described the atmosphere in the stadiums and across North America as joyful and inclusive, acknowledging the logistical challenges of organizing a tournament over a vast area.
In terms of logistics and technical aspects, the early reviews of the FIFA World Cup 2026 have been positive. From the opening ceremonies to new regulations aimed at enhancing the game, the initial matches have upheld the standards expected of the FIFA World Cup.