As the World Cup kicks off on Thursday, visa complications are causing disruptions for participants and fans alike. The tournament, which concludes on July 19, is facing significant challenges due to US immigration policies. Somali referee Omar Artan, one of the 52 FIFA referees, was refused entry at Miami airport on Monday despite holding a valid visa, according to BBC Sport. This incident prevents Artan from fulfilling his duties during the tournament.

In a separate incident, Iraqi player Aymen Hussein was detained for nearly seven hours at O'Hare airport in Chicago, as reported by Reuters. Additionally, the Iraqi team's photographer was completely denied entry into the US. Some Iranian team players received their US visas at the last minute, while several staff members are still awaiting approval.

Fans from various African countries are also encountering visa problems, raising concerns about the management of visitors by US authorities. Unnamed sources have criticized US immigration policies, suggesting they prioritize hostility towards immigrants, particularly targeting non-white individuals. Mother Jones reported that in the last six months, the US admitted only white South African refugees, highlighting perceived biases.

The 2025 travel ban affecting 39 countries, including Somalia, Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, adds to the complexity, as these nations have teams participating in the World Cup. Increased operations by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) are contributing to anxiety among fans, according to The Washington Post.

These visa challenges are prompting questions about the accessibility and inclusivity of international events like the World Cup. The ongoing difficulties faced by participants and fans underscore the broader implications of current US immigration policies on global sporting events.