World Cup set for kick off in Mexico after pre-tournament turbulence
The World Cup kicks off on June 11 with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can rise above mounting anger at ticket prices and a U.S. immigration crackdown that has seen fans, a top referee and team officials barred from the tournament.
A record 48 teams and millions of fans are set to descend on the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first World Cup co-hosted by three nations, the largest and most logistically complex edition of the tournament ever staged.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino brushed off criticism over World Cup visa issues and sky-high ticket prices on June 10 in a defiant eve-of-tournament press conference.
Speaking in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup's opening game at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, Infantino launched a spirited defense of the organisation of the 48-team extravaganza being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
