France 24 Questions US Host Credentials Amid World Cup Entry Restrictions
A new report from France 24 critiques the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s US leg, citing visa denials for a Somali referee and travel restrictions for Iran, while noting President Trump’s absence from the opening fixture.
France 24 has published an analysis titled "Trump's World Cup: More matches, higher prices, fewer foreigners," scrutinising the governance and diplomatic conduct surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The report questions whether systemic exclusion and commercial expansion are undermining the integrity of the tournament, contrasting the celebratory atmosphere in Mexico with administrative barriers in the United States.
The analysis highlights significant entry restrictions imposed by US authorities, including the barring of Somalia’s African referee of the year despite valid accreditation and a visa. In a notable divergence, UEFA confirmed that the same official was permitted to officiate in the European Super Cup, raising questions about the consistency of entry protocols. Additionally, the Iranian national team faces short-stay restrictions that require them to travel between Los Angeles and a new base camp in Tijuana, a logistical arrangement described as "plane-hopping."
Concurrent with these diplomatic frictions, US President Donald Trump is set to miss the United States' opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday evening. Instead, Trump will host a UFC event, dubbed "UFC Freedom," at the White House on Saturday evening, coinciding with his 80th birthday. The report frames this absence as part of a broader narrative regarding the US host nation's approach to the tournament.
Criticism is also directed at FIFA president Gianni Infantino for profiting from the expanded 48-team format and elevated ticket prices. The analysis contrasts the current commercial landscape with historical precedents, referencing the 1994 World Cup in the US, the 1978 tournament in Argentina, and the 1998 event in France. It notes that the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, where the tournament officially opened, remains the only venue to have previously hosted two World Cup finals.
In related developments, Mexico has broken its "host nation curse" with the tournament's opening, while South Korea secured a 2-1 victory over Czechia in Guadalajara. Manager Hong Myung-Bo substituted captain Son Heung-Min before the 70th minute in that fixture. Upcoming group stage matches include England facing Croatia and Scotland playing Haiti, with fixtures continuing across Mexican venues.
