2026 FIFA World Cup faces scrutiny over immigration and visa denials

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is facing scrutiny regarding immigration policies and the exclusion of participants and fans. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States following an eleven-hour interrogation at Miami International Airport over alleged associations with terror organizations, a claim he denied.

In Canada, visa issues have affected players such as Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, who was denied entry due to pending legal proceedings, and Ivory Coast forward Elye Wahi, whose visa authorization was delayed during an investigation into alleged spot-fixing.

Human Rights Watch has noted that the tournament risks being defined by exclusion and fear. Concerns have been raised regarding the safety of LGBTQ+ fan groups, inequitable ticket pricing for disabled supporters, and the potential for racial abuse. The application of these immigration and security measures has highlighted inconsistencies in standards between the tournament's NATO co-hosts.