FIFA Vice-President Says 2026 World Cup Concerns Will Vanish Once Tournament Starts

"When the ball gets rolling on June 11, everyone will forget about everything else and focus on the game." That's how FIFA vice-president Victor Montagliani is responding to mounting concerns surrounding the 2026 World Cup. It's a confident take, assuming everything goes according to plan.

During his appearance at the Business of Soccer conference in Atlanta on March 25, the CONCACAF president didn't shy away from acknowledging the challenges — including Trump's strict immigration policies, cartel violence in Mexico, and conflict in the Middle East — but essentially dismissed them as standard pre-tournament complications. His historical comparison? The 1978 World Cup in Argentina, which took place under a brutal military regime responsible for approximately 30,000 deaths and disappearances. His point: the tournament endured then, and it will endure now.

It's a perspective that's simultaneously pragmatic and troubling.

Iran's predicament goes beyond speculation

The most concrete evidence that this World Cup faces real obstacles is Iran's situation. The Iranian football federation is currently negotiating with FIFA to potentially move their group stage fixtures from the United States to Mexico, after Trump issued a public statement suggesting Iranian players wouldn't be safe on American soil. This isn't mere political backdrop — it's a qualified team questioning whether they can safely compete in a host nation.

At the same time, Iran's national team is gearing up for friendlies against Nigeria (March 27) and Costa Rica (March 31) in Belek, Turkey — matches initially planned for Jordan before regional conflict necessitated relocation. The team's training sessions have been closed to most media. No interviews with players or coaching staff have been granted. According to a federation representative, the squad wants complete focus on these matches, which they view as essential World Cup rehearsals.

This is a team dealing with legitimate external pressures, not just media hype.

Tournament credibility and betting implications

Montagliani isn't entirely off base. Historically, World Cups do manage to overshadow controversies once matches commence; the beautiful game commands attention. However, the journey to opening kick-off carries weight. Supporters from various nations have already encountered visa complications and concerns about potential scrutiny from US immigration authorities. These aren't theoretical issues — they impact turnout, stadium energy, and international perception of the event.

  • Iran's group matches may need to be moved to Mexico, representing an unprecedented logistical and political accommodation before any competitive action begins
  • FIFA president Gianni Infantino has faced criticism for his relationship with Trump, including participation in a Gaza peace conference and presenting the US president with a newly established FIFA Peace Prize during December's World Cup draw ceremony
  • Visa complications for fans could result in reduced attendance at several stadiums, particularly affecting turnout from Asian and Middle Eastern markets

For anyone analyzing Group D betting markets or Iran's tournament prospects, the ambiguity surrounding their match venues introduces a variable that most World Cups don't contend with. Home advantage calculations change. Travel logistics change. Player preparation changes.

Montagliani's assertion that "once the ball starts rolling, it's all about football" may ultimately prove accurate. But ensuring a smooth start to the tournament is proving more challenging than FIFA publicly acknowledges.