Infantino defends US World Cup hosting amid visa controversy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the United States as a host for the 2026 World Cup on Thursday, despite growing concerns over visa restrictions and entry denials that have already affected match officials. The controversy erupted after a Somali referee was denied entry into the US last week while attempting to fulfill official duties for the tournament’s preparatory events.

Speaking at a press conference in Zurich, Infantino insisted that FIFA cannot intervene in sovereign government policies, even when they directly impact the organization’s operations. The Swiss-Italian administrator said FIFA would work with US authorities to ensure the tournament runs smoothly, but stopped short of criticizing Washington’s immigration stance.

Referee Denied Entry Despite Official FIFA Assignment

The unnamed Somali referee had been assigned to officiate at a preparatory event related to the 2026 World Cup, which the US will co-host with Canada and Mexico. But despite holding valid documentation and an official FIFA assignment letter, the referee was turned away at the airport. The incident has raised questions about whether similar problems could plague the tournament itself, which is expected to draw thousands of officials, players, and staff from nearly 50 countries.

It’s not an isolated case. Several other officials from predominantly Muslim countries have reportedly faced additional scrutiny or delays when attempting to enter the US for football-related business in recent months.

FIFA’s Limited Authority Over Host Nations

Infantino acknowledged the challenges but maintained that FIFA’s hands are tied when it comes to national border policies. “We cannot tell governments what to do,” he said. “What we can do is work together with the authorities to find solutions that allow the World Cup to happen in the best possible way.”

The 2026 tournament will be the largest World Cup in history, expanding from 32 to 48 teams across 104 matches. Sixteen cities will host games, with 11 in the US, three in Mexico, and two in Canada. The expanded format means even more international travel for officials, coaches, and support staff.

Questions Loom Over 2026 Operations

Critics argue that FIFA should have anticipated these complications when awarding hosting rights to the US in 2018. And with less than three years until kickoff, there’s mounting pressure on both FIFA and American officials to establish clear protocols that prevent similar incidents.

So far, US Soccer has declined to comment on specific visa cases, citing privacy concerns. But the organization says it’s committed to working with federal authorities to facilitate entry for all legitimate tournament personnel when the World Cup arrives in June 2026.