The 2026 FIFA World Cup has been overshadowed by a serious immigration controversy. Rigid US border policies have sparked widespread international outrage as the tournament starts tonight, with the opening game scheduled on 12 June at 12:30 AM (Indian time).
Meanwhile, US President has said that the authorities are working very closely to ensure “the right people” enter the United States.
“It’s the most successful World Cup they’ve ever had. They’ve never sold tickets at that level. They’ve never sold that many tickets so quickly. It’s amazing because you don’t think of soccer in this country,” President Trump said.
Quick answers to key questions
What did Donald Trump mean by ‘the right people’ regarding visa entry for the FIFA World Cup 2026?⌵
Donald Trump stated that U.S. authorities are working closely to ensure ‘the right people’ enter the United States for the FIFA World Cup 2026, implying a focus on security and proper vetting amid immigration controversies.
Why has the U.S. faced criticism over visa policies ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026?⌵
The U.S. has been criticized for its rigid visa policies, which have denied entry to various international staff and players, causing disruptions and raising concerns about the country’s ability to host the event smoothly.
How have international teams been affected by the U.S. visa controversy for the FIFA World Cup 2026?⌵
Several international teams, including Iran and Somalia, have faced entry denials and extensive interrogations for their members, leading to relocations and significant challenges ahead of the tournament.
What actions did FIFA take in response to the visa issues affecting teams for the World Cup?⌵
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the visa issues as a ‘World Cup of chaos’ and stated that the organization cannot control government decisions regarding entry regulations.
Should fans expect any changes in U.S. visa protocols as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches?⌵
Despite the criticisms and international outcry, the U.S. government has maintained a firm stance on its security protocols and has not indicated any plans to ease visa restrictions for the World Cup.
The US president said he had spoken with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Trump called him ‘the boss’.
“He said there’s never anything close to what’s happened. We’re working on it very closely to make sure the right people come into our country,” Trump added.
Social Media Reaction
Social media reacted heavily to Donald Trump’s comments. The term “right people” especially caught many people’s attention.
“Wait, who are the right people? Are the people of America, right? Can America do one day without gunshots in the city?. So, basically, it’s not your fault, Trump. It’s Gianni Infantino, the president, for accepting the bid for America to host the World Cup,” wrote one user.
“His answers never make any sense. Journalists should stop asking him questions during any of his work events, because he either lies or acts as if he’s superior to everyone,” commented another user.
One user wrote, “The World Cup is yet to start, and our OG is calling it success, the World Cup that’s generating more chaos every day. Imagine national teams representing their countries at the world stage without having their fans present, rubbish.”
“World Cup visas being handled by Trump is peak 2026. You know it’s a mess when football needs a press secretary,” came from another.
“This World Cup has shown the world that the USA is not capable of hosting such a major event. From today, I don’t think anyone will vote for them to host another major tournament. They have portrayed a very bad image. It seems FIFA has completely lost control of this World Cup. It is now in Trump’s hands,” another user posted.
FIFA 2026: US Visa Controversy
Ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, 13 members of Iran’s administrative and technical staff were denied entry to the United States. The team relocated its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.
Somalia’s 2025 African Referee of the Year, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, was denied entry at Miami airport after an 11-hour interrogation. Iraq’s star striker Aymen Hussein faced a seven-hour interrogation at Chicago O’Hare. His team’s official photographer was flatly denied entry.
Videos of Senegal and Uzbekistan players being subjected to tarmac pat-downs and canine searches went viral. South Africa and Haiti barely secured entry clearance a week before kickoff.
Fan disruptions have been equally severe. Trump’s expanded travel ban now affects 75 countries. Ticket holders from Iran, Morocco, Haiti and the Ivory Coast are being denied .
Scottish supporters reported sudden ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) revocations before their flights. Travel agencies are reporting unprecedented cancellation rates from international fans.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged a “World Cup of chaos”. According to him, a match ticket does not guarantee entry. Meanwhile, the US government has stood firm, refusing to ease security protocols.
