Infantino Sparks Controversy with Italy World Cup Qualification Jibe

The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match on June 13, 2026. While the U.S. secured a dominant victory, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sparked controversy by mocking Italy’s failure to qualify for the tournament, suggesting the team would not qualify even if 208 nations were invited, according to reports from Corriere della Sera and RaiNews.

How did the United States perform against Paraguay?

The United States opened the tournament with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. According to Corriere della Sera, the match served as a dominant debut for the host nation.

The scoring included a goal from Balogun and an own goal credited to Bobadilla. The U.S. roster featured key players including Christian Pulisic and Gio Reyna, who helped the team maintain control of the match and expand their lead throughout the game.

The match followed an opening ceremony that featured Brazilian singer Anitta and a tribute to David Beckham involving his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The event was broadcast via DAZN and Prime Video.

Why is Gianni Infantino facing criticism over Italy?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino drew backlash after making public remarks regarding Italy’s absence from the 2026 World Cup. According to RaiNews and Il Fatto Quotidiano, Infantino joked that to get Italy back into the World Cup, FIFA would need to invite 208 national teams.

Infantino questioned whether the Italian national team could qualify even if the tournament expanded to 64 teams, stating he might have to increase the number to 208 to ensure their participation. These comments were characterized as a “sting” or a mockery of the Italian side by Corriere della Sera.

How did the FIGC respond to FIFA’s president?

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) issued a formal response to the FIFA president’s comments. According to ANSA and Sportmediaset, the FIGC described Infantino’s remarks as an “unfortunate exit,” adding that football should teach respect.

FIGC official Abodi reacted directly to the mockery. According to Corriere della Sera, Abodi stated, “Now I want to hear him,” signaling a confrontational stance toward the FIFA leader’s rhetoric.

What other results occurred in the opening fixtures?

Beyond the U.S. victory, other tournament action included a match between Canada and Bosnia. According to the match data, the fixture featured contributions from players such as Larin, Buchanan, and Demirovic.

The 2026 tournament represents a significant expansion in scale and geography, with matches distributed across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The opening events in Los Angeles set the stage for a competition characterized by both high-scoring debuts and diplomatic tension between FIFA leadership and member federations.