The 2026 FIFA World Cup was designed to be a landmark tournament, but instead, days before the opening match, football’s biggest event had become dominated by controversies over visas, immigration, ticket pricing and FIFA’s handling of issues beyond the pitch.
As the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and three host nations, the United States, Canada and Mexico, the competition has expanded football’s global reach. Yet that expansion has also brought unprecedented logistical, political and administrative challenges.
From the denial of entry to Somali referee, Omar Artan and visa problems involving Iranian officials to investigations into ticket pricing and growing concerns over the influence of politics on football, the tournament has faced criticism before a ball was kicked.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, FIFA president, Gianni Infantino insisted the governing body had acted appropriately, repeatedly stressing that FIFA could not control government immigration policies and defending both the tournament’s organisation and its commercial model.
His remarks, however, have done little to quiet concerns among supporters, football officials and national federations, many of whom believe the controversies risk overshadowing the sport itself.
A historic World Cup
The 2026 edition is unlike any before it, as for the first time, 48 countries are competing for football’s biggest prize across 104 matches hosted by three nations.
FIFA’s estimation is for the tournament to generate more than $13 billion in revenue, making it the richest World Cup in history.
But the expanded format has increased demands on travel, security, immigration, accommodation and coordination between three separate governments, exposing challenges rarely encountered at previous tournaments.
Omar Artan’s case
The biggest controversy before kick-off involved Somali referee, Omar Artan, who became the first Somali selected to officiate at a FIFA World Cup after years of climbing through African football.
However, after arriving at Miami International Airport for FIFA’s mandatory referees’ training camp, he reportedly underwent an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry into the United States.
Although Artan travelled with what Somali authorities described as valid documents, including a diplomatic passport and visa, US authorities refused him entry, effectively ending his participation in the tournament.
The incident immediately sparked criticism, with many questioning how FIFA could lose one of its appointed referees because of immigration procedures in a host country.
Infantino stands by FIFA
Facing widespread criticism, Infantino defended FIFA’s position.
“It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. But again, we don’t control everything.
“We try, we’ll discuss, we’ll speak, we’ll see. Maybe sometimes it’s good as well to just, you know, chill, relax,” he said.
The FIFA president argued that immigration decisions rest solely with governments and not with football’s governing body.
“We are not the kings of the world. We are a sports organisation. We try to do our best with the means that we have,” he added.
Iran faces travel and ticket problems
Iran’s preparations have also been affected by political and immigration issues, as the team was forced to relocate its training base from the United States to Mexico after visa restrictions complicated its original plans.
Players have been instructed to travel into the United States only for matchdays before returning immediately to Mexico.
The Iranian Football Federation has also complained that supporters lost their official allocation of World Cup tickets despite many already making travel arrangements.
FIFA has confirmed Iran will participate in the tournament, but concerns remain over travel arrangements throughout the group stage.
Ticket prices issue
Ticket prices have become another major source of criticism; premium hospitality packages have reached tens of thousands of dollars, while many supporters have argued that ordinary football fans have been priced out of attending matches.
Several US state attorneys general have opened investigations into FIFA’s ticket sales practices following complaints from consumers.
However, Infantino rejected suggestions that FIFA had acted improperly.
“We check what we do with the best lawyers, with the best experts. If we do something wrong, probably everyone selling tickets in North America is doing something wrong as well,” he said.
He added that demand for tickets had exceeded expectations and described FIFA’s pricing structure as appropriate for the North American sports market.
Trump’s role divides opinion
Infantino also defended US President, Donald Trump, whose administration’s immigration policies have been linked to several of the tournament’s visa controversies.
Rather than criticise the restrictions, the FIFA president praised Trump’s involvement.
“I don’t regret anything. I have a great relationship with President Trump. I’m very happy about that.
“Without his engagement and his involvement, I think it would have been impossible to organise a World Cup in the United States,” Infantino said.
His remarks have fuelled debate over FIFA’s relationship with political leaders and whether the organisation has become too dependent on host governments.
Politics continues to shape football
The World Cup has increasingly become a stage where politics and football intersect.
Iran’s participation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, immigration restrictions affecting officials and supporters, and concerns over border policies have highlighted the influence of government decisions on international sport.
While FIFA insists football should remain politically neutral, critics argue recent events show that global tournaments cannot be separated from international politics.
Football finally takes centre stage
Despite weeks of controversy, attention will now begin to shift to the football.
The expanded tournament offers more nations the opportunity to compete, introduces dozens of players to the World Cup stage and promises six weeks of competition across North America.
Yet the events leading up to kick-off have already ensured that the 2026 World Cup will be remembered not only for its football but also for the political, commercial and governance questions that accompanied it.
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