- Fifa president Gianni Infantino has called for the release of a french sports journalist who has been detained in Africa over the last year.
- Christophe Gleizes, 37, received a seven-year prison sentence in 2025 on alleged terrorism charges. The conviction followed his contact with members of the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK), a foreign-based group designated a terrorist organisation by Algiers.
- Speaking on the eve of the World Cup, Infantino paid tribute to Gleizes and revealed there was an empty chair at the press conference that was reserved for him.
- Infantino revealed that he has invited Gleizes' parents to the France vs Senegal Group I clash on June 16.
- "There is an empty seat in this room," Infantino said. "I hope in a great act of humanity he will be given grace, presidential grace, and can even join us for the World Cup."
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