FIFA Reverses Stance, Allowing Spanish in All World Cup Press Conferences

FIFA has announced a significant reversal of its policy regarding language use in press conferences, confirming that Spanish will now be permitted in all media interactions during the World Cup 2026. This decision comes after a period of growing controversy and aims to accommodate the multilingual nature of the tournament, particularly with Mexico serving as one of the host nations.

Previously, the use of Spanish in press conferences was restricted to situations where a Spanish-speaking team was involved. This limitation led to several instances where journalists were prevented from asking questions in Spanish, even when players or coaches were willing to respond in the language. Notable cases involved players like Achraf, Vinícius Júnior, and Frenkie de Jong, sparking debate on social media and among media outlets.

Key facts

New Translation Support

To facilitate the new policy, FIFA will be implementing measures to ensure Spanish can be used effectively. The organization plans to provide Spanish translators at all press conferences. Additionally, the official FIFA application will feature translation capabilities, allowing for easier communication for both media and participants. This move is seen as a gesture of respect and deference towards Mexico, one of the three co-hosting nations, where Spanish is the primary language.

The shift in policy is expected to be put into effect soon, potentially within the coming matches. The primary objective is to ensure the consistent presence of Spanish in all pre-match press conferences, reflecting the tournament’s global reach and its presence in Spanish-speaking territories. The controversy surrounding the language restrictions, coupled with Mexico’s hosting duties, appears to have been a decisive factor in FIFA’s reconsideration.

Impact on Media and Participants

This policy change is a welcome development for Spanish-speaking journalists and media outlets covering the World Cup. It removes a significant barrier to communication, allowing for more direct and nuanced questioning. For players and coaches, it offers greater flexibility in expressing themselves and engaging with the media. The inclusion of translation tools further enhances accessibility, making the tournament experience more inclusive for a wider range of participants.

The decision underscores FIFA’s recognition of the importance of linguistic diversity in major international sporting events. By embracing Spanish as a permitted language in all press conferences, FIFA is acknowledging the significant Spanish-speaking fan base and media presence associated with the sport. This move is likely to be well-received by many, fostering a more open and communicative environment throughout the remainder of the World Cup.

Source: MARCA Futbol – https://www.marca.com/futbol/mundial/2026/06/15/fifa-da-marcha-atras-podra-preguntar-espanol-todas-ruedas-prensa.html