US President Donald Trump has acknowledged visa concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His remarks follow the denial of entry to a Somali referee and growing unease among teams, particularly Iran’s squad. Especially amid geopolitical tensions spilling into the tournament.
Donald Trump comments on Fifa World Cup visa situation
Donald Trump spoke to reporters in the Oval Office on Wednesday. He addressed fears that stricter immigration enforcement could disrupt the World Cup. A journalist told the president that some people worry it will become “harder and harder to get visas to come from outside” to participate in the games.
“We’re working on it very closely to make sure the right people come into our country,” Trump said. He also confirmed that he intends to attend some matches, though he did not specify which ones (via The Hill).
Trump’s comments landed just as a concrete case got international attention. Somali referee Omar Artan, who had been expected to officiate at the tournament, was denied entry into the United States on Monday. That too, despite holding a valid travel visa issued only last week. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Artan was turned away after inspection due to “vetting concerns,” without offering further detail.
FIFA distanced itself from the incident, stating it was not involved in immigration processes and that Artan’s status would not change.
The visa standoff has added to an already strained atmosphere surrounding Iran’s participation. The World Cup 2026 is the first time a host nation is receiving a country with which it is actively at war. The U.S.-Israel war on Iran has turned the sporting event into a geopolitical flashpoint. Iran’s squad opted to base its training camp in Mexico and will shuttle into the United States only for matchdays. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had confirmed last month that her country would host the team, given the conflict.
Originally reported by Devanshi Basu for Mandatory.
