The 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing growing controversy ahead of its opening matches as visa problems threaten to prevent several referees, officials and supporters from attending the tournament in the United States.
One of the most high-profile cases involves Somali referee Omar Artan, who was reportedly denied entry to the US despite holding a valid visa. The decision has sparked concern within football circles and renewed debate over immigration procedures linked to the tournament.
Iran has also been affected by visa restrictions. Several members of the country’s football delegation were reportedly unable to obtain travel authorisation, forcing changes to logistical plans ahead of the competition. Iranian officials have also voiced concerns over ticket allocations and access for supporters.
The visa complications come amid broader scrutiny of US immigration policies, with some fans from participating nations facing lengthy processing times and uncertainty over their ability to travel before matches begin.
FIFA and US authorities have insisted that preparations remain on track, highlighting measures introduced to facilitate travel for teams, officials and accredited personnel. However, critics argue that the ongoing issues risk undermining the tournament’s image and creating unnecessary barriers for participants and supporters.
With the World Cup set to kick off in the coming days, organisers are under increasing pressure to resolve outstanding visa cases and ensure smooth access for all those involved in the global event.
