Palestinian World Cup Visa Denied
Palestinian Football Chief Denied US Visa for FIFA World Cup 2026, Awaiting Permission in Mexico
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The president of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, was denied a U.S. visa to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup and remains stranded in Mexico City, according to AP. He is not alone — several other football federation officials are also waiting in Mexico for permission to enter the United States, where most of the tournament's matches are being held.
Rajoub called the denial politically motivated. "I don't believe that it's fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend," he said, per AP. The World Cup, the largest in history with 48 teams, kicked off on June 11 with Mexico vs. South Africa in Mexico City.
Rajoub Left Out as World Cup Begins Without Him
Rajoub was in Mexico City on June 11 and watched the opening match at Estadio Azteca. But he cannot travel to U.S.-based fixtures, where the bulk of games — including the final — will take place. He publicly criticized Washington from Mexico City on June 12, saying the U.S. was undermining FIFA's "unifying mission," according to AP.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the problem but said the organization has limits. "We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces," Infantino said, per AP. FIFA holds official accreditation for all attending officials, but that accreditation does not override U.S. immigration law.
Somali Referee Also Detained and Deported at Miami Airport
Rajoub's case is part of a wider pattern. Omar Abdulkadir Artan, named Africa's top referee in 2025, arrived at Miami International Airport and was held for 11 hours before being deported, according to CBS News. U.S. Customs and Border Protection cited "derogatory information" and "vetting concerns" as the reason.
Artan had a valid visa. "I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream," he said, per CBS News. The Trump administration defended the move, saying it "will not allow any security threat to enter our country — full stop," citing the Immigration and Nationality Act.
U.S. Policy Shifts Hit Palestinian Officials Hardest
The U.S. State Department tightened rules on Palestinian passport holders in late 2025. The new restrictions targeted people who had worked for the Palestinian Authority. This came after the U.S. revoked Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's visa for the UN General Assembly in September 2025, according to AP.
Rajoub has long been a political lightning rod. He refused a symbolic handshake with an Israeli Football Association official at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April 2026, saying "national dignity is not subject to protocol." His history of activism may have contributed to the U.S. decision to block his entry, analysts say.
FIFA Faces Pressure to Fix Hosting Rules for Future Tournaments
Amnesty International warned that "abusive and deadly US immigration policies" are threatening the inclusive nature of the tournament, in a report titled "Humanity Must Win." Roughly 5.9 million ESTA travel applications were submitted for World Cup travel, with about 5 million approved, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council.
The crisis could push FIFA to demand stronger "guaranteed entry" clauses in future hosting agreements for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. The Palestinian Football Association also has an active appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport over FIFA's refusal to sanction Israeli clubs operating in the West Bank, with a ruling expected later this year.
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