FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization cannot override the visa decisions of sovereign governments regarding entry into the United States [1].
The statement comes as concerns grow over potential travel restrictions and processing delays that could prevent fans and officials from attending the 2026 World Cup. Because the tournament relies on global participation, any systemic barrier to entry threatens the event's accessibility and operational success.
Speaking in Mexico City on June 10, 2024 [1], Infantino said the specific case of a Somali referee who was denied a U.S. visa. The incident has sparked wider debate about whether FIFA can ensure that all qualified participants and supporters can enter the host country regardless of their nationality.
"We cannot overrule a sovereign country's decision on visa matters," Infantino said [1].
While the FIFA president acknowledged the challenges, he urged stakeholders to remain calm. "Chill, relax. We are working on solutions," Infantino said [1].
Infantino said that while the organization is committed to facilitating the attendance of fans, the governing body lacks the legal power to alter the immigration policies of the host nations. "FIFA is committed to ensuring fans can attend, but we have no authority to change government policy," he said [1].
The 2026 tournament will be hosted across North America, making the coordination of travel documents a critical logistical hurdle for millions of expected visitors. The denial of a visa for a match official highlights a potential friction point between international sporting requirements and national security protocols.
“"We cannot overrule a sovereign country's decision on visa matters."”
This admission clarifies the limits of FIFA's influence over host-country logistics. While FIFA manages the sporting and commercial aspects of the World Cup, it remains dependent on the diplomatic and immigration policies of the U.S. government. If visa denials for officials and fans continue, the organization may need to negotiate formal diplomatic agreements or expedited processing channels to avoid a fragmented tournament experience.
