Which World Cup teams, players and officials were denied US visas, entry? | World Cup 2026 News
US Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny Amid FIFA World Cup Visa Issues
The United States government is facing significant backlash from immigration and human rights advocates due to complications surrounding visa approvals and entry denials for athletes and officials attending the FIFA World Cup. The criticism intensified following the denial of entry for Omar Artan, a prominent Somali football referee slated to officiate at the tournament, who arrived at a Miami airport this week only to be turned away.
Khayran Noor, an international sports lawyer, emphasized the intersecting concerns of immigration enforcement and human rights practices. “Human rights organizations have consistently voiced concerns about the treatment of migrant communities in the U.S.,” Noor told Al Jazeera last month. “While these issues exist independently of football, they become particularly relevant when a country hosts a major international event.”
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called for a “massive rethink” of U.S. immigration policies, expressing hope that racial profiling and surveillance would not negatively impact the World Cup.
Although Artan returned to Somalia on Wednesday, greeted by supporters, his experience has highlighted the broader issues of geopolitics and racism tied to U.S. visa denials ahead of the 48-nation tournament, which commences on Thursday. Fans from countries such as Morocco and Scotland have also reported travel document denials or revocations shortly before their scheduled trips.
Omar Artan: Somalia
Omar Artan, 34, was set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup. However, his plans were thwarted at Miami International Airport, where he was denied entry despite possessing a valid U.S. visa. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Artan was deemed “inadmissible” due to unspecified vetting concerns.
This incident resonates with the history of negative rhetoric aimed at the Somali community, particularly during the presidency of Donald Trump, who at one point labeled the community “garbage” and imposed travel restrictions on Somalia.
Iranian World Cup Squad and Officials
The fate of Iran’s football team initially hung in the balance, with uncertainty over visa approvals due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the U.S. and Israel. While the U.S. government granted visas to all team players just ten days before their first match, key support staff were denied entry, complicating logistical arrangements.
The Iranian team, originally set to train in Arizona, will now be based in Tijuana, Mexico. They will travel to the U.S. on the day before each match, although questions remain regarding the impact on team performance.
Aymen Hussein: Iraq
Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein experienced delays upon arrival at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, where he faced nearly seven hours of detention and phone inspections before being allowed entry. “Why is America hosting the World Cup if it is so hostile to foreign nationals?” Hussein questioned. Conversely, national team photographer Talal Salah was held for more than ten hours and ultimately denied entry.
Woodensky Pierre: Haiti
Woodensky Pierre, the only member of Haiti’s national soccer team residing in the country, was granted a late visa. He arrived in Miami shortly after their friendly match against New Zealand, unable to participate in the game.
Breel Embolo: Switzerland
Swiss forward Breel Embolo faced travel complications due to a flagged visa stemming from a past conviction. After discussions at the U.S. Embassy in Bern, he was cleared for entry and later joined his team.
FIFA’s Responsibilities
FIFA’s bid guidelines for the World Cup stipulate that visa processing should be conducted fairly and without discrimination, while also considering national security concerns. Noor noted that while nations retain the right to manage immigration, hosting major sporting events demands exceptional cooperation frameworks.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addressed questions regarding entry approvals. He stated that FIFA retains its focus as a sports organization and will not intervene in U.S. immigration decisions. “We are not the kings of the world,” Infantino remarked. “We try to find solutions within the limits of our capabilities.”
As the World Cup approaches, the interplay between sports, immigration policy, and human rights continues to draw attention on a global scale.
