FIFA President Gianni Infantino has finally addressed the growing visa crisis threatening the 2026 World Cup, admitting that world football’s governing body “does not control everything” when it comes to US entry policies .
Speaking at a press conference on the eve of the tournament, Infantino was asked if FIFA had “lost control” following a series of high-profile visa denials, including Somali referee Omar Artan being turned away at the border and members of Iran’s team support staff refused entry .
“We try always to find solutions, but then we need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” Infantino said. “We are a sports organization” .
Widespread visa denials rock tournament
The crisis deepened after the International Sports Press Association reported that “many” Iranian and African journalists have been denied visas to cover the 48-team tournament, which spans the US, Mexico and Canada .
Some African journalists were reportedly issued single-entry visas, meaning they cannot return to the US after following their teams to Canada or Mexico .
Iran has been the most vocal critic, accusing the United States of denying visas to a “large portion” of the team’s managerial staff, executive personnel and technical advisers .
The Iranian Embassy in Turkiye accused the US of “the worst possible form of politically biased interference in sport,” urging FIFA to hold the US accountable .
Meanwhile, South Africa’s national team was forced to delay its World Cup departure after multiple squad members’ visas were not processed in time .
FIFA has yet to announce any concrete solutions as the tournament kicks off Thursday .
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