Just days before the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup, international attention has shifted away from the pitch and toward the US border.
Several participating nations have faced visa disputes, prolonged airport interrogations, and unusually strict security protocols. The treatment of national teams from Iran, Iraq, Senegal and Uzbekistan coupled with the denial of entry to a FIFA-appointed Somali referee has sparked intense backlash across the global sports community.
Meanwhile, FIFA's noticeable silence on these incidents is drawing heavy criticism with many arguing that the global football body is failing to uphold the inclusive spirit of the tournament.
Iran: Visas Denied and Training Camp Relocated
Drawn into Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, the Iranian national team has borne the brunt of recent geopolitical tensions.
While US authorities eventually granted visas to the players, head coach Emir Ghalenoi and essential coaching staff, they rejected applications for 13 administrative and technical personnel.
The resulting delays and uncertainty forced Iran to abandon its planned training camp in Arizona. The team has relocated its base to Tijuana, Mexico. Under the current restrictions, the Iranian delegation will only be permitted to enter the United States for their three scheduled group-stage matches and must leave immediately afterward.
Iraq: Star Striker Detained for Seven Hours
Adding to the controversy, Iraqi star forward Aymen Hussein was subjected to a prolonged detention upon arriving in the US.
Hussein, a crucial player for an Iraqi side making its first World Cup appearance since 1986, was reportedly interrogated for seven hours at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport. According to Iraqi media, border officials also confiscated and inspected his mobile phone.
In a separate but related incident, the Iraqi national team's official photographer was outright denied entry into the country.
Somalia: Award-Winning Referee Turned Away
The complications extend beyond national teams to match officials.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali referee specifically selected by FIFA for the tournament, was denied entry at Miami International Airport after undergoing strict screening procedures.
Artan, who was named Referee of the Year for 2025 by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was poised to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.
Senegal and Uzbekistan: Canine Units and Strict Screenings
National teams from Senegal and Uzbekistan the latter making its first-ever World Cup appearance have also faced heavy-handed security measures upon arrival.
Senegal: Videos circulating widely on social media show Senegalese players being pulled aside for exhaustive, individual security screenings at the airport before being allowed to enter the main terminal.
Uzbekistan: Similar footage emerged showing the Uzbek delegation being searched with the use of police dogs before entering a New York stadium for a pre-tournament friendly match against the Netherlands.
These stringent procedures have ignited a fierce debate online, with fans and sports commentators questioning whether the US is providing a welcoming environment for the world’s largest sporting event.
