Infantino: World Cup start is 'a moment of joy and celebration'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has characterized the start of the World Cup as a moment of joy and celebration, expressing his delight that the tournament is set to commence. Speaking at a press conference in Mexico City, a day before the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Infantino conveyed his enthusiasm for the event.

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It is a moment of joy, of celebration (...) I am very happy to see this ball rolling in a few hours.

"It is a moment of joy, of celebration (...) I am very happy to see this ball rolling in a few hours," Infantino told reporters at the Estadio Azteca. He referred to the World Cup trophy as "the most iconic in the world. The most incredible. A trophy that allows people to dream."

Amidst global conflicts and crises, Infantino underscored the role of football in fostering connection and providing positive experiences. "I believe in the magic and the power of the football, of this World Cup trophy and of these matches. Although there are bad people, our world needs positive emotion. Football can help, it can make people forget their reality for a while," he stated.

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This is the most iconic trophy in the world. The most incredible. A trophy that allows people to dream.

Infantino anticipates that this edition of the World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States, will be "one of the most spectacular in history." He noted that numerous countries have a chance to win the trophy, but emphasized that the fans are the true essence of the tournament. "It is the fans, of course, who make the World Cup what it is," he said.

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I believe in the magic and the power of the football, of this World Cup trophy and of these matches. Although there are bad people, our world needs positive emotion. Football can help, it can make people forget their reality for a while.

He concluded by thanking Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, U.S. President Donald Trump, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for their support in organizing the event. Infantino specifically credited Donald Trump's involvement as crucial to the World Cup's realization in the United States.

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It is the fans, of course, who make the World Cup what it is.