The Games have yet to start, yet observers have highlighted the contrast with previous tournaments in Russia and Qatar, where special travel arrangements eased entry for fans and staff.
Referee denied entry.
Officials denied entry.
Players denied entry.
Fans denied entry.
The U.S. is proving exactly why it never should’ve been chosen to host the World Cup.
White people. He means white people.
Remember when FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “This will be the biggest, most inclusive, and greatest FIFA World Cup ever”?
That statement hasn’t aged well. pic.twitter.com/tNUhQcZc6l
— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar) June 9, 2026
The headlines aren’t making FIFA look good, and they certainly aren’t making this look like the celebration of football it was supposed to be.
– Steven Gerrard, Former England Captain
The World Cup belongs to the world, not to governments, political interests, or football administrators. It belongs to the players, the referees, and the supporters. If FIFA cannot guarantee that all three are treated fairly and equally, then it has failed in its most fundamental duty. If those assurances are proving unreliable, accountability must start at the very top – Ruud Gullit, Former Dutch player
What an absolute disgrace. A FIFA-certified referee being denied entry to the United States purely because he is Somali.
The World Cup is meant to bring people together. This is racism, plain and simple. Shameful.https://t.co/rpSgTmmPU4
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) June 9, 2026
Trump administration claims the Somali referee was denied entry because he is a security threat to the US with links to suspected terrorists. He was questioned for 11 hours, including about Al Shabab. Omar Abdulkadir Artan just landed back in Somalia to a hero’s welcome
Swiss footballer Embolo’s visa was put under review, and he was only able to join his team days later.
Iraqi player Aymen Hussein was held for questioning for nearly 7 hours upon entering the United States.
The Iranian national team spent days dealing with visa procedures at the U.S. Consulate in Türkiye. The U.S. only allowed them entry on match days. Fifteen members of the delegation were denied visas.
Senegal & Uzbekistan squads were treated like criminals upon arrival, given full cavity searches.
AIPS (International Sports Journalist Association) is calling on FIFA to sort out the unacceptable visa issues of African & Iranian journalists.
90% of Moroccan fans with tickets were denied entry
🚨 🇲🇽 WHILE THE US HUMILIATES AFRICAN TEAMS ON THE TARMAC, MEXICO WELCOMES THEM LIKE KINGS!
🇿🇦 South Africa’s Bafana Bafana arrive in Pachuca — greeted by full mariachi band, smiles, and real hospitality.
🇯🇵 Japan’s Samurai Blue land in Monterrey — Governor personally gifts… https://t.co/RxNeTJQnHH pic.twitter.com/LF78Y4uDLE
— New Direction AFRICA (@Its_ereko) June 9, 2026
“Everyone is complaining about the poor facilities and organization in the stadiums, training facilities, and airports, as well as the detention of players, photographers, referees, coaches, and just about everything else, and it will be the worst World Cup edition ever.” pic.twitter.com/arp70Q4m8l
— JASSIM THANi 🇶🇦 (@JBT_86) June 8, 2026
🚨 DISGUSTING: Al Jazeera exposes massive World Cup price gouging. A standard $13 train ticket will skyrocket to a staggering $98 on match days!
Boston is also raising $20 fares to $80. The establishment is intentionally exploiting everyday fans to maximize profits. pic.twitter.com/TMBiAW2flm
— Furkan Gözükara (@FurkanGozukara) June 9, 2026
Mayor Mamdani criticizes Trump admin for handling of the World Cup, travel restrictions & visa denials for teams & others.
“The World Cup is supposed to be a celebration of the world as a whole… this is anathema to what this tournament is supposed to be about.” pic.twitter.com/7TOy8oVK9l
— Josie Stratman (@JosieStratman) June 8, 2026
*Russia banned from football for attacking Ukraine*
*USA, host of the World Cup, bombs Iran for over a month, kills its Supreme Leader and refuses to let the Iranian team stay even one night in the country*
FIFA President:pic.twitter.com/hXNET83Oya
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) June 8, 2026
Worst FIFA President of all time: Infantino silent as US humiliates Africa.
Gianni Infantino selected Omar Abdulkadir Artan — Africa’s top referee and first Somali at a World Cup — then watched US authorities deny him entry at the border despite a diplomatic passport and an approved visa.
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