A Unique and Controversial 2026 World Cup Faces Geopolitical and Immigration Hurdles

The 2026 World Cup, currently underway across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is being hailed as a unique and expansive event. This edition marks the first time the tournament is hosted by three nations, featuring 16 host cities, 104 games, and an expanded field of 48 teams, a significant increase from the previous 32. The tournament spans 39 days and is considered one of the most expensive in history.

However, the event is also mired in controversy, exacerbated by complex issues including the United States' immigration policies and the high cost of tickets, which FIFA President Gianni Infantino has largely attributed to the organization's commercial approach. Geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, both nations reportedly at war, have also cast a shadow over the tournament. Furthermore, the hostility faced by immigration and customs officials in the United States has led to difficult experiences for some participants.

Several participating countries and their officials have reported humiliating treatment upon arrival. The Senegal national football team underwent stringent security screenings, and Somalia's FIFA-graded referee, Omar Artan, was denied entry and repatriated despite possessing valid documents. Players from Uzbekistan were reportedly met with drug-sniffing dogs and metal detectors upon reaching their training venue. The Iranian team faced the most severe restrictions, initially barred from entering the US due to the conflict with their home country. Their entry was eventually permitted, but only to Mexico, with strict limitations on travel to the US, requiring them to leave immediately after matches without overnight stays.