Australia star Awer Mabil has expressed relief that his family did not travel to the 2026 World Cup amid ongoing safety fears. The tournament kicks off on Thursday evening with Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match. However, the build-up has been overshadowed by concerns over security for players and fans.
Safety Concerns Plague World Cup Build-Up
The Iran team was forced to relocate its training base to Mexico due to ongoing tensions with the USA and Israel. Senegal and Uzbekistan faced rigorous checks upon arrival, while Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry despite being selected to officiate.
Mabil's Personal Decision
Mabil, included in Australia's squad, admitted he is glad his family will watch from home. "This time, it was last-minute to organise a lot of things so it was better for them to stay at home," he said. "Also the travelling would be tough for my mum and my little siblings. I didn't want that headache for them." He added: "To be honest, it's probably better for me because I can be at peace knowing my family's OK."
Australia's World Cup Campaign
Australia begins its Group D campaign against Turkey on June 14, followed by matches against the USA and Paraguay.
Infantino Attempts to Allay Fears
FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed safety concerns in a press conference. On Iran, he said: "I'm very happy because I went to see the Iranian team in Turkey in March. People said it would be impossible for Iran to come – I promised they would come, and if I had to go with a bus to Tehran, I would."
Regarding visa issues, Infantino noted: "We have organised with the US administration the FIFA pass system. A speedy process, though not always working with everyone. We obtained that bonds for some African countries have been waived." He commented on the Somali referee: "It is unfortunate what happened to Omar. But we don't control everything."
Infantino concluded: "We try to solve everything. To immediately shout is the opposite of finding a solution. We are a sports organisation, we do our best. Promote the unity of the World Cup."
