The previous framework reportedly limited media exchanges to English and the official languages of participating teams. That became awkward when Hakimi-born in Madrid and fluent in Spanish-was asked to move away from a language he speaks naturally. Vinicius Junior was also reportedly caught up in the controversy during the tournament’s opening days.
The update says initially pointed to the absence of translation rather than an outright ban, but the distinction did little to calm criticism. The reported change now makes Spanish available regardless of the teams involved.
This is more than a technical adjustment. The World Cup is being staged across North America, where Spanish is part of football’s daily conversation, particularly in Mexico and the United States. A press conference is not merely a broadcast obligation; it is where players explain themselves to supporters and journalists represent their audiences.
Luis Garcia Montero, director of Instituto Cervantes, described the earlier position as “baffling” and said had “put itself offside”. Those words capture why the issue grew beyond room logistics.
The next test is practical: whether interpreters are ready, questions flow without delay and players can answer in the language that best reflects them. If the revised approach is applied consistently, Spanish will no longer be a distraction at this World Cup-it will be treated as part of its footballing reality.