MEXICO CITY — FIFA has reiterated that decisions on visas and entry to countries hosting the 2026 World Cup rest with national governments, distancing itself from a series of immigration disputes that have drawn scrutiny during the tournament.
The governing body's position has come under renewed attention following several cases in which players, officials and supporters encountered difficulties entering host countries, most notably the United States. FIFA has consistently said it does not participate in immigration or visa adjudication and that sovereign governments retain authority over border and admission decisions.
"FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications," the organization said in an earlier statement issued after Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa. FIFA added that, as with previous tournaments, "a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."
Speaking before the tournament opened, FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged concerns over visa-related incidents but said the organization could not overrule government decisions.
"We are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces. We are a sports organisation," Infantino told reporters, adding that FIFA continued to work with authorities in an effort to resolve issues where possible.
The comments followed the exclusion of Artan, who was removed from the tournament's list of match officials after U.S. authorities determined he was inadmissible under U.S. immigration procedures. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said all travelers, including athletes and officials, are subject to inspection and that admissibility is determined on a case-by-case basis using immigration, law enforcement and national security information.
Visa-related concerns have also affected some team personnel and supporters from several participating nations, prompting criticism from human rights groups and football stakeholders who argue that restrictive immigration policies risk limiting access to a global sporting event. Host governments have maintained that border and security policies remain matters of national sovereignty.
FIFA has maintained that it continues to coordinate operational matters with the tournament's three host nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — while emphasizing that immigration decisions remain outside its jurisdiction. The organization has not indicated any change to that policy and has said it will continue working with authorities as the tournament progresses.
