2026 World Cup: Entry rejections and visa problems spark new controversy in the United States

The United States faces a new controversy surrounding the 2026 World Cup, as several participants are encountering significant obstacles with entry visas. The latest incident involves Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali referee designated by FIFA for the tournament, who was denied entry despite holding a valid visa and was reportedly sent back to Istanbul.

Artan's case highlights a growing pattern of difficulties for individuals involved in the global event. Reports indicate that other participants, including members of the Iranian technical staff, are also grappling with similar visa and entry problems. These issues cast a shadow over the preparations for a tournament that the U.S. is co-hosting with Canada and Mexico.

The situation has opened a new front of controversy for the host nation, raising questions about the logistical and administrative preparedness for such a large-scale international event. The involvement of a FIFA referee facing such hurdles underscores the severity of the problem and its potential impact on the tournament's operations.