Infantino’s quip about British fans and vow that “every match will be sold out” suggests huge travelling support for England and Scotland at the 2026 World Cup. Punters could favour teams with big fanbases in match-winner and over/under markets, and expect volatile card and booking markets driven by intense crowd atmospheres.
Infantino takes aim at British fans as 2026 World Cup excitement builds
FIFA president Gianni Infantino landed a pointed joke about British football supporters while speaking at the World Economic Forum, weeks after England and Scotland confirmed places at the 2026 World Cup. With Wales and Northern Ireland still contesting qualifying semis, the British contingent — particularly travelling Scots — is expected to swell the tournament’s atmospherics in North America.
“This is not a ball”: the speech that made headlines
Addressing world leaders, Infantino held up a football and called it “a magic instrument that transforms people into happy people,” describing how the game strips away adulthood and brings smiles. He used the example of Qatar 2022 to counter critics, saying organisers saw “virtually no incidents” and joked: “For the first time in history, also, no Brit was arrested during the World Cup. Imagine!”
Ticket row and fan reaction
The Football Supporters’ Association criticised Infantino’s quip and shifted attention to ticket prices, urging FIFA to focus on affordability rather than jokes. Infantino responded that ticketing drew heavy criticism, noting the highest demand came from the US, followed by Germany and England.
FIFA says it received around 500 million ticket requests in the latest window and maintains “every match will be sold out,” though it has not provided a breakdown by fixture or price band.
What this means on the ground — and for bettors
Packed stadia and vocal travelling support could amplify home‑atmosphere effects for teams with large followings. Expect stronger backing in markets such as match-winner and over/under goals, and watch booking and card markets for spikes in activity when intense crowds influence referee decisions.
With organisers promising full houses, neutral and away‑support dynamics may become a key betting variable during 2026.
Why the 2026 World Cup is a bargain for Ronaldo and Messi fans — and most expensive for Americans
FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a joke about British football fans just months before England and Scotland fans head to the 2026 World Cup.
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