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.

The White House has defended denying entry to Somali referee Omar Artan and several Iranian officials, as immigration restrictions emerge as a major controversy ahead of the 2026…

The 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway this week, but controversy is already competing with football for attention. From the exclusion of a leading African referee and concerns…