Media members tour the locker rooms at Kansas City Stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 8 in Kansas City, Mo.
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Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images
As the World Cup begins later this week, match officials and team members have faced enhanced immigration scrutiny when trying to enter the United States. A FIFA referee from Somalia was turned away.
Media members tour the locker rooms at Kansas City Stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 8 in Kansas City, Mo.
Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images
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Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images

US visa troubles before FIFA World Cup? Here’s which players and officials were affected

The World Cup spotlights hardened U.S. immigration policies

U.S. bars entry of FIFA World Cup referee from Somalia, citing "vetting concerns"

FIFA faces scrutiny over US immigration policies impacting 2026 World Cup access

Players and officials are being detained or barred entry into US

Somalian Referee Denied Entry Into US Ahead Of 2026 World Cup Despite Valid Visa

Travel, Visa Issues Hang Over World Cup

U.S. defends barring Africa’s top referee as World Cup visa controversy widens

How U.S. Entry Bans Are Turning the 2026 World Cup Into a Political Battleground

Which World Cup players and officials have faced visa troubles in the US?

Visa issues for players and officials ahead of the FIFA World Cup in the US have raised immigration concerns.

A Somali referee said he was detained, questioned and sent home. And an Iraqi player said he was subjected to intensive…

Federal immigration authorities barred a Somali soccer referee who was slated to officiate the FIFA World Cup from entering the…

FIFA scrambles to protect 2026 World Cup access as US travel bans covering 39 countries threaten fans and teams, with match…

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been overshadowed by a series of visa denials, delayed approvals and entry restrictions involving…

Some World Cup players and team staff are being questioned or outright barred from entering the United States, angering their…