The biggest World Cup in history is running into a problem that no amount of sponsorship money can solve: getting people through US border control.
EU Commissioner for Sport and Culture Glenn Micallef addressed growing concerns over US travel restrictions affecting World Cup participants during an appearance on Euronews’ flagship morning show Europe Today on June 10. His message was diplomatic but pointed. Host countries get to decide “who has access,” he said, while stressing that “football should be accessible to everyone.”
Visa denials cast a shadow over the tournament
The FIFA World Cup 2026, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is the largest edition ever staged. The US alone is hosting approximately 78 out of 104 total matches.
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry at Miami airport in June 2026, despite holding valid paperwork. His case became a lightning rod for broader frustration over visa processing, particularly for participants from countries like Iran that face heightened scrutiny under current US policy.
