FIFA Addresses Visa Problems Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization does not have control over all aspects of the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking on the eve of the tournament on Wednesday, Infantino addressed visa problems for teams traveling to the United States.

When asked whether FIFA had “lost control of the tournament,” he replied that the governing body is not a sovereign authority.

The comments followed incidents in which Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry at the U.S. border and members of the Iranian team’s support staff were refused visas.

“We always try to find solutions, but we must respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces; we are a sports organization,” Infantino said at a press conference.

The tournament will begin on Thursday, with one of the co-hosts, Mexico, facing South Africa in the opening match.