The opening of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been overshadowed by controversy over visa delays, enhanced border screenings and immigration-related disputes affecting players, officials and supporters traveling to the United States, one of the tournament’s three host nations.
The issues have sparked debate about the balance between national security measures and the global inclusiveness traditionally associated with the World Cup, which this year features an expanded 48-team format.
Several teams and delegations reportedly encountered additional scrutiny upon arrival in the United States. Media reports indicated that some players, officials and support staff from participating countries faced prolonged immigration checks, visa processing delays and secondary inspections at airports. The developments have raised concerns among football federations and supporters about the impact of immigration policies on tournament logistics.
One of the most widely discussed cases involves Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament. Artan was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa, according to U.S. authorities and FIFA. The decision means he will not participate in the World Cup, ending what would have been a historic debut as the first Somali referee to officiate at the competition. U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited unspecified “vetting concerns,” while FIFA emphasized that immigration decisions remain the responsibility of host governments.
The case has attracted international attention, with Somalia seeking clarification through diplomatic channels and sports officials expressing disappointment over the development. Artan was named Africa’s top male referee in 2025 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Reports have also highlighted visa-related difficulties affecting some national team personnel and supporters from various countries. According to international media, certain players and officials experienced extended questioning or administrative delays before being cleared for entry, while some fans reported difficulties obtaining travel authorization ahead of the tournament.
The situation has drawn criticism from human rights advocates and football supporters, who argue that restrictive immigration measures risk undermining the spirit of an event designed to bring nations together. Others, however, have defended the enhanced screening procedures as necessary security measures during a major international sporting event.
Responding to the concerns, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said immigration decisions are ultimately the responsibility of national authorities and not FIFA. He maintained that the governing body remains committed to ensuring a successful and inclusive tournament despite the challenges.
As the tournament begins, attention is expected to remain focused not only on events on the pitch but also on the broader issues of travel access, immigration policy and the experience of participants and supporters arriving in the United States for football’s biggest event.
