June 16, 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been overshadowed by a series of visa denials, delayed approvals and entry restrictions involving players, referees and support staff.
The controversies have sparked criticism of the United States’ immigration policies and raised concerns about the impact on the smooth running of football’s biggest tournament.
From a top Somali referee being refused entry to visa complications affecting Iranian officials and players such as Ghana’s Thomas Partey, several high-profile cases have emerged since the start of the competition. Here is a look at the teams, players and officials who have been denied visas or faced travel restrictions during the World Cup.
One of the most controversial cases involved Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry into the United States despite reportedly holding a valid visa. Artan, one of Africa’s most respected match officials, had been selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament and was on course to become the first Somali referee to oversee a men’s World Cup match.
