FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Tuesday, exactly two years before the World Cup football tournament kicks off, the world will "stand still and watch" what is happening in North America.
The world's premier football competition will be held for the first time in three countries -- Canada, Mexico and the United States -- and for the first time with 48 teams, up from 32 in the 2022 edition in Qatar.
"In two years from now, the world will stand still and watch what is happening in North America," Infantino was quoted as saying in a report on FIFA's official website. "The trophy is already here, ready...and we are all getting ready, gearing up for the competition, preparing everything."
The opening match will be played at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, which has previously hosted two World Cup opening matches and two finals. The final is scheduled for July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in New Jersey.
"I am counting down the days, definitely, like everyone else," Infantino said. "Two years seems far away, but we know it is very, very close."
