At least one referee from Somalia and a team staff member from Iraq were denied entry to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports verified by web search as of June 13, 2026. The denials are linked to U.S. immigration policies under President Donald Trump, which have tightened visa restrictions for nationals from several countries, including Somalia and Iraq.
The Somali referee, whose name has not been officially released, was scheduled to officiate matches in the tournament. The Iraqi staff member, part of the national team's delegation, was also barred from entering the U.S. The exact reasons for the denials have not been publicly detailed, but they align with the administration's travel bans and enhanced vetting procedures.
FIFA has acknowledged the issue, stating it is in contact with U.S. authorities to ensure all accredited participants can enter the country. The U.S. State Department has not commented on the specific cases, citing privacy laws. The incidents have raised concerns among human rights groups about the chilling effect of U.S. immigration policies on international events.
