World Cup 2026: Entry Denials and Detentions
World Cup 2026 entry issues
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, several players, referees, and team officials have faced significant challenges regarding entry into the United States, leading to detentions and, in some cases, formal denials of entry. Customs and Border Protection officials have cited rigorous vetting concerns and national security protocols for these actions, which are currently being conducted on a case-by-case basis for all tournament participants.
The impact of these policies has already affected tournament staffing, most notably with the case of referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan. The official, who was set to become the first from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup, was denied entry at Miami International Airport on June 6. Despite holding a valid U.S. visa, he was deemed inadmissible following a secondary inspection.
The issues extend to team delegations, with players and staff encountering long delays. Forward Aymen Hussein of the Iraqi national team was detained and questioned at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport for approximately seven hours before eventually being granted entry. During the same transit, the team’s photographer, Talal Salah, was detained for over 10 hours and ultimately denied entry following a search of his electronic devices. Reports indicate that at least 15 members of the Iranian delegation were also denied entry visas, forcing the team to establish a training base in Mexico to manage travel logistics, as explored in this international report.
FIFA has stated that it does not intervene in the immigration or visa adjudication processes of host countries, maintaining that the host government holds the ultimate authority to determine entry. U.S. officials have emphasized that tournament security is a priority, with immigration enforcement integrated into broader security measures. As the tournament kicks off, civil society groups and rights organizations have expressed concern that participants may face heightened risks of arbitrary detention. Prospective travelers and team delegates are now being advised to secure comprehensive documentation to navigate these tightened border security protocols.
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