World Cup Opens at Azteca as Visa Limits and Protests Cloud Kickoff

Overview

• The tournament began Thursday with the opening ceremony and Mexico v. South Africa at Estadio Azteca, while parallel shows took place in the United States and Canada.
• U.S. visa actions have disrupted the event: Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry and parts of the Iranian delegation were forced to base in Tijuana after some visas were refused.
• FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the Artan case "lamentable," said the organization lacks authority over sovereign visa decisions, and has publicly lobbied for humanitarian outcomes including clemency for a detained French journalist.
• Large protests in Mexico City threatened access to fan events and transport to the stadium, though Mexican officials, including President Claudia Sheinbaum, said control measures were in place and fans could reach the venue.
• The expanded 48‑team, three‑country format concentrates most matches in the United States, making U.S. immigration and security policy a key operational risk for travel, ticketing and who can work or attend matches during the monthlong tournament.