2026 World Cup Opens as U.S. Visa Refusals Exclude Somali Referee and Compel Iran to Base in Tijuana

Overview

• The World Cup began on June 11 with the opening match at Estadio Azteca between Mexico and South Africa, launching a monthlong tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
• U.S. authorities denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, with the U.S. Department of State citing links to individuals suspected of belonging to terrorist organizations, and Artan will not officiate at the tournament.
• The Iran national team received visas only for some staff, so the federation moved its base to Tijuana and will travel into the United States for matches that take place on U.S. soil.
• FIFA president Gianni Infantino publicly called the exclusions "lamentable" while insisting the federation cannot overrule sovereign visa or border decisions and defending FIFA's ticket-pricing policy.
• Local protests in Mexico disrupted access to opening events and fan sites, and organizers warn that the three-country, 48-team format increases travel, security and reputational strain for teams, officials and fans.