FIFA's pledge to host the "most inclusive" World Cup in history fell short due to strict U.S. visa policies during the 2026 tournament, according to the Sport & Rights Alliance, a coalition of rights groups. Despite expanding the tournament to 48 teams—the largest ever, up from 32—allowing smaller footballing nations to compete, many fans and workers were denied entry to the United States, one of the co-hosts alongside Canada and Mexico.

Rights groups criticized the U.S. for effectively shutting its doors to ticket holders from countries including Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Uzbekistan. Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, highlighted ongoing struggles for fans from these nations to obtain visas.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that immigration decisions were ultimately the responsibility of national authorities. Meanwhile, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the visa denials, noting his department had consulted with FIFA officials. The Trump administration specifically cited links to "suspected members of terror organisations" as reasons for denying entry to certain individuals, including a referee barred from officiating at the tournament.

Despite these challenges, the tournament featured notable moments such as Haiti's first World Cup participation in 52 years, Cape Verde's unexpected success, and the display of rainbow flags during Pride Match Day in Seattle, as noted by Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch.

The Sport & Rights Alliance plans to release a detailed report in September addressing human rights issues related to the tournament.

Sources