The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, said that the current World Cup can already be considered “the most successful in history,” highlighting the public response, the competitive level, and the atmosphere created across the venues in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to the FIFA chief, stadiums have reached a 99.6% occupancy rate reflecting the tournament’s massive impact, a figure that, in his view, reflects the impact the tournament has had on fans and the connection built around football.
During an interview in New York, Infantino explained that the tournament has shown a level of sporting intensity that, in his words, has exceeded initial expectations. The FIFA president highlighted that teams have maintained an attacking mindset until the final minutes of each match, with standout individual performances and games that have kept fans fully engaged. He also defended the tournament conditions, including hydration breaks due to high temperatures at some venues.
Full stadiums and the debate over ticket prices
One of Infantino’s main arguments to support the success of the World Cup has been stadium attendance. The FIFA president stated that near 100% occupancy demonstrates the strong interest in the tournament, highlighting the presence of families, young people, and fans from around the world who have attended the matches. For him, the atmosphere in the stands represents one of the biggest strengths of this edition.
However, the tournament has also been marked by debate over ticket prices, with criticism from those who believe costs may limit access for some fans. In response, Infantino argued that the answer lies in full stadiums and noted that in the United States there is a legal secondary market for ticket resale, where prices may increase depending on demand.
The economic impact of the World Cup on football development
Beyond attendance and sporting spectacle, Infantino emphasized the financial impact that the World Cup generates for the growth of global football. The FIFA president stated that revenues from the tournament are reinvested into different projects around the world, allowing less traditional national teams to have greater development opportunities.
In this sense, he highlighted the participation of teams such as Cabo Verde and Curaçao, which have managed to compete on the world stage thanks to development processes supported by World Cup revenues. For Infantino, the presence of these teams demonstrates how football’s expansion can open new opportunities for countries that have historically had less prominence.
A World Cup defined by intensity and spectacle
The tournament has also been praised for the quality of the matches. Infantino noted that teams have shown high intensity, with fewer interruptions and a constant intent to attack. For the FIFA president, matches have had an exciting rhythm, with forwards taking center stage, standout goalkeepers, and international stars meeting expectations.
He also highlighted the diversity of host cities, from traditional World Cup venues such as Mexico City to new locations in Canada and the United States. The combination of full stadiums, global football stars, and a worldwide audience has been one of the key elements that FIFA considers central to its positive evaluation of the tournament.
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