Comedian and football enthusiast Michael McIntyre has opened up about an awkward meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino during a World Cup 2026 match. McIntyre shared the encounter on the Netflix show Rest is Football, hosted by Gary Lineker and featuring former Chelsea star Joe Cole.
McIntyre's Unexpected Encounter with Infantino
McIntyre described the moment he met Infantino at a World Cup fixture. 'I was with some people, and I can't deny, it was a good ticket, I was very fortunate,' he said. 'And then one of the nice people I was with said, "Gianni's coming in", and I didn't know who that was. But then Infantino was there.'
Lineker then asked if McIntyre had appealed to Infantino to overturn a suspension for England defender Jarell Quansah, who was sent off in the 3-2 win over Mexico in the last-16. McIntyre responded: 'I actually said one word, and I don’t know if it even is a word. I just shook his hand and said, "FIFA". I was going to build to something. My brain was going, "What do I say?" FIFA was the subject of the email, but I never got to the contents; I just said "FIFA".'
World Cup 2026 Controversy Surrounding Balogun
The World Cup has been marred by controversy after FIFA lifted a ban on United States striker Folarin Balogun, who had been sent off in a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. Balogun was subsequently allowed to play in the USA's 4-1 defeat to Belgium in the last-16 tie in Seattle. US President Donald Trump admitted he intervened on behalf of Balogun, sparking widespread criticism.
The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is nearing its conclusion with the quarter-finals almost complete. England are set to face Norway for a spot in the semi-finals, where a potential match against Argentina or Switzerland awaits.
