Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, has reportedly been denied a US visa during FIFA World Cup 2026 and remains in Mexico City after attending the opening match. Rajoub called the situation unfair, while Gianni Infantino admitted FIFA cannot overrule government immigration decisions. The controversy has raised wider concerns about political restrictions, global access, and football’s promise of international unity during the tournament.The FIFA World Cup 2026 has barely begun, yet controversy outside the stadiums is already drawing global attention. Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, remains stranded in Mexico City after failing to secure a visa to enter the United States for the tournament.Rajoub attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa but could not continue traveling alongside other football federation leaders invited by FIFA. His situation has now sparked wider questions about fairness, political restrictions, and whether the spirit of football unity promised before the World Cup is truly being upheld.FIFA World Cup 2026 visa controversy puts focus on Palestinian football chiefRajoub did not hide his disappointment while speaking about the situation. The veteran Palestinian official argued that football should remain open to everyone connected to the sport, regardless of nationality or politics."I don't believe that it's fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend," he said during an interview with The Associated Press.FIFA traditionally invites football association heads from across the globe to attend the World Cup as part of the tournament’s diplomatic and cultural outreach. The governing body has long promoted the competition as a celebration capable of bringing nations together, even during periods of political tension.That message became more complicated this week after reports emerged that several accredited individuals, including a Somali referee and a photographer linked to Iraq’s national team, also faced visa problems while trying to enter the United States.The issue has created uncomfortable headlines for FIFA at a moment when the organization wants global attention fixed on football rather than politics.Gianni Infantino responds as FIFA faces pressure over US visa issuesFIFA president Gianni Infantino acknowledged the growing concerns but admitted the organization has limited influence over government immigration decisions."We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces," Infantino said while addressing reporters.Rajoub’s case carries additional political weight because of the long-running tensions surrounding Palestinian football. Palestinian officials have repeatedly accused Israel of restricting player movement and allowing clubs from settlements in the occupied West Bank to compete in Israeli leagues.The football chief also recently refused to shake hands with Israel’s football federation president during a FIFA gathering, arguing that symbolic gestures would not erase the realities faced by Palestinians.As FIFA World Cup 2026 continues, the visa controversy threatens to become one of the tournament’s first major off-field disputes. Instead of conversations being dominated purely by goals and performances, football’s biggest stage is once again colliding with international politics.