Mounting criticism as US entry restrictions disrupt World Cup participation

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Published :

11/6/2026 15:40|

Last Updated :

23 hours ago|

Sport

Referees, players, officials, and fans report visa delays and entry issues ahead of the World Cup
Somali referee Omar Artan denied entry despite holding a valid visa
FIFA says it will not intervene in government immigration decisions

The United States is facing mounting criticism ahead of the start of the FIFA World Cup over immigration and travel policies that have reportedly led to entry denials, prolonged airport detentions, and visa delays affecting international participants and fans.

Pressure intensified this week following a high-profile case involving Somali football referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States despite holding a valid visa.

Somali referee turned away at Miami airport

Artan, 34, had been selected among FIFA’s 52 referees for the tournament and was expected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.

However, his participation ended before the tournament began after he was denied entry at Miami International Airport and returned to Istanbul.

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said Artan was considered inadmissible due to what it described as "vetting concerns."

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk criticized the broader approach and called for a "massive rethink" of immigration practices, expressing concern over issues including racial profiling, surveillance, and immigration enforcement during the tournament.

Artan later returned to Somalia, where he received a warm public reception.

Iranian team faces travel restrictions

The Iranian national team has also faced disruptions linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Although players reportedly received visas last week, several members of the team’s managerial and administrative staff were denied entry.

As a result, Iran relocated its base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.

According to statements attributed to US authorities, the squad will only be permitted to enter the United States shortly before each of its group-stage matches and leave on the same day, creating additional logistical pressure.

Players report airport delays and extra screening

Several players and team staff from different countries have also reported lengthy inspections and delays at US entry points.

Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein said he was held for nearly seven hours at Chicago O’Hare International Airport and had his phone inspected before eventually being allowed entry.

Iraq national team photographer Talal Salah said he was detained for more than 10 hours and was ultimately denied entry.

Haitian midfielder Woodensky Pierre reportedly missed a pre-tournament friendly after delays in visa processing and only arrived during the match.

Swiss forward Breel Embolo also faced temporary delays after a previous legal issue triggered additional review procedures before receiving travel clearance.

FIFA declines to intervene

The travel difficulties have reportedly extended to spectators as well, with some fans from countries including Morocco and Scotland claiming their travel permissions were denied or withdrawn close to the tournament.

International sports lawyer Khayran Noor said host nations maintain sovereign authority over border control decisions but noted that global sporting events rely heavily on openness and international participation.

When asked about the issue during a press conference in Mexico City, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the governing body would not interfere in government immigration decisions.

"We try always to find solutions, always," Infantino said.

"But then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation; we try to do our best with the means that we have."