Palestinian football chief denied US visa for 2026 World Cup
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Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), has been denied a visa to enter the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite holding official FIFA accreditation.
Rajoub attended the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on June 12 but remained unable to travel to US venues.
He also reported not receiving a visa for Canada. The Palestinian national team did not qualify for the competition, but federation presidents are typically invited to attend matches and official events as part of the global football community.
In statements to media outlets including AFP and AP, Rajoub described the denial as "regrettable" and a sign of disrespect toward the international sporting event.
He called the restrictions unfair and politically motivated, contrasting them with his unhindered attendance at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The case is part of broader US visa challenges affecting several accredited football officials and delegations for the co-hosted tournament (United States, Canada, and Mexico). Reports mention similar issues impacting individuals from other nations, including vetting concerns for some participants.
