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Episode details

World Service,11 Jun 2026,49 mins

Fifa head Infantino tells World Cup critics to "chill"

Newsday

Available for 29 days

The head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has defended the organisation of the football World Cup, on the eve of the opening ceremony. It comes amid fierce criticisms over visas, tickets and the US's stance towards the Iranian team. On Thursday Mexico will play South Africa at the Estadio Azteca for the opening match. We have an interview with the South African keeper Ronwen Williams. And we speak to the lead creative of all three opening ceremonies as we look forward to Thursday's show in Mexico. It will celebrates Latin American culture and headlines Colombian superstar Shakira and Nigeria's Burna Boy. Presenters: Barbara Plett Usher and James Copnall. (Photo: FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends a press conference on the eve of the FIFA World Cup 2026 opening match, in Mexico City, Mexico. Credit: Isaac Esquivel/EPA).

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