Amid FIFA World Cup Visa Row, Trump Says US Focused on Admitting Right People

Trump Defends US Entry Policy Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 Amid Growing Visa Concerns

US President Donald Trump has defended his administration’s immigration approach ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, saying the United States will ensure that “the right people” are allowed into the country as it prepares to host football’s biggest-ever tournament.

Speaking before the opening match on Thursday, Trump said his administration was committed to welcoming visitors from around the world while maintaining strict security and immigration standards. The United States will stage 78 of the tournament’s 104 matches under the joint hosting arrangement with Canada and Mexico.

The comments come as Washington faces mounting scrutiny over its handling of visas and border controls in the run-up to the expanded 48-team World Cup. Human rights organisations, football officials and fan groups have raised concerns that stringent immigration measures could affect players, match officials and supporters travelling to the tournament.

Those concerns were amplified this week by United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, who warned that issues such as racial profiling, surveillance and aggressive immigration enforcement risk overshadowing the event.

Addressing a media briefing in Geneva, Türk urged governments to rethink immigration policies and stressed that global sporting events should provide an atmosphere where athletes, officials and fans can participate without fear of discrimination or undue restrictions.

“We have seen some of the scenes,” Türk said, expressing hope that off-field controversies would not detract from the tournament itself.

Questions over access to the United States have intensified following a series of incidents involving teams, officials and supporters. Iran’s national team was reportedly shifted from a training base in Arizona to neighbouring Mexico, while several Iranian officials were denied entry visas. Somali referee Omar Artan, regarded as one of Africa’s leading match officials, was also refused admission to the United States.

A US official said Artan’s entry was denied because of alleged associations with individuals suspected of links to terrorist organisations, although authorities did not publicly provide evidence or further details.

Separately, images shared on social media appeared to show a Senegalese player being searched by security personnel on an airport tarmac, drawing criticism from observers who questioned the treatment of visiting participants.

Fans have reported facing similar obstacles. Supporters from countries including Morocco and Scotland said their travel authorisations were either delayed, denied or revoked despite having already spent thousands of dollars on flights, accommodation and match tickets.

The controversy has also placed FIFA under renewed pressure. The governing body’s hosting requirements for the 2026 World Cup state that visa applications should be processed in a non-discriminatory manner while respecting the security and immigration laws of host countries. FIFA has additionally committed to upholding the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights across its competitions.

Critics argue that some of the incidents reported ahead of the tournament appear difficult to reconcile with those commitments, raising fresh questions about FIFA’s ability to ensure equal access for participants and supporters.

With millions expected to travel across North America during the month-long event, the focus is unlikely to remain solely on the football. Immigration policies, border procedures and visa decisions are set to remain under the spotlight as the tournament unfolds.