US Immigration Woes Cast Shadow Over FIFA World Cup 2026

The much-anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway, but the headlines are dominated not by thrilling goals, but by the administrative hurdles being imposed by co-host, the United States. A wave of visa rejections and stringent entry requirements has left football fans, officials, and journalists in disbelief, casting a pall over the world’s biggest sporting spectacle.

Somalian referee Omar Artan, despite being voted the Confederation of African Football’s (Caf) Referee of the Year in 2025, was reportedly denied entry into the USA, even with a valid visa. FIFA has stated it does not control host country immigration processes, underscoring that the host government ultimately decides on visa adjudications.

Fans from various African nations, including Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Morocco, have also reported significant difficulties in obtaining the necessary visas to support their teams. This comes as a stark contrast, especially given Morocco’s historical recognition of the United States in 1777.

Beyond African nations, the diplomatic tensions between the US and Iran have also impacted the tournament. While 26 Iranian squad players received late visas, a dozen support staff were denied entry. Similar visa denials have affected accredited journalists from Iran and some African countries, raising concerns about fair representation and access.

Uganda’s Clive Kyazze, a journalist with a Type I visa, faces a disadvantage due to its single-entry nature, especially with matches spread across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Journalists from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are also facing additional scrutiny due to recent Ebola outbreaks.

Adding to the off-field challenges are the exorbitant costs associated with attending the World Cup. Fans are confronting record-high ticket prices, inflated accommodation rates, and expensive transportation, prompting former England striker Ian Wright to question the hosting standards and the spirit of football. The vast distances between venues in the US, Mexico, and Canada further compound the logistical and financial burdens for attendees.

Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/world-cup/america-sneezing-world-cup-catches-a-cold—5492712