Making sure the right people come to the US: Donald Trump on FIFA World Cup visas

US President Donald Trump said his administration is taking steps to ensure the “right people” enter the country for the 2026 World Cup as the United States prepares to host the biggest ever edition of the soccer event, Reuters reported.

Before Thursday’s opening game of the tournament, Trump said his administration was focused on making travel easier for visitors while maintaining security and immigration standards. The United States hosts most of the tournament’s 104 games in a joint bid with Canada and Mexico.

Trump’s comments come as the United States faces criticism over its immigration and border policies in the run-up to the tournament. Human rights groups and football stakeholders have expressed concern over visa denials, travel restrictions and security checks involving players, officials and fans.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Trk warned of problems related to “racial profiling, surveillance and immigration enforcement” before the 48-team tournament began, according to the AP.

At a briefing in Geneva, Trk called for a “massive rethink” of immigration policy, particularly in the United States, and expressed hope that ongoing concerns would not overshadow the World Cup.

“We have seen some scenes,” Trk said, adding that major sporting events should provide a safe and dignified environment for players, officials, supporters and society as a whole.

DISABLED PLAYERS, OFFICIALS, FANS

Several incidents in recent weeks have fueled the debate.

The Iranian national team has been moved from training camp in Arizona to neighboring Mexico, while some Iranian officials were reportedly denied entry visas to the US. Somali referee Omar Artan, who is considered one of Africa’s leading referees, was also denied entry to the United States.

According to a US official, Artan was denied admission because of his alleged association with suspected members of terrorist organizations. However, no further details or evidence have been released.

Meanwhile, images circulating on social media showed the Senegalese player being frisked by a security official at the airport, sparking criticism from some observers.

Fans also reported difficulty entering the country. Supporters from nations including Morocco and Scotland said their travel documents were refused or revoked despite spending thousands of dollars on flights, accommodation and match tickets.

QUESTIONS RELATING TO FIFA’S OBLIGATIONS

The controversy also brought FIFA under scrutiny. The governing body’s requirements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup stated that visa processing should be carried out in a non-discriminatory manner while respecting the immigration and security regulations of the host country.

Critics say some of the incidents reported before the tournament appear to be in violation of these policies. FIFA is also committed to upholding the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights at its events.

As the tournament gets under way and millions of fans are expected to watch the action in North America, the focus is likely to remain on both soccer and the politics that govern who gets to experience it in person.

– The end

Issued by:

Amar Panicker

Published on:

10 Jun 2026 21:51 IST