FOR the first time, 48 teams are taking part, giving more countries the chance to live their World Cup dream. It was also expected to be the last World Cup for a generation of football icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luka Modric and Casemiro — players many of us grew up watching.
Instead, before a ball has even been kicked, this World Cup is already making headlines for all the wrong reasons.
The biggest issue? United States immigration restrictions and Fifa's refusal to do anything about them.
For an organisation that constantly talks about inclusion, diversity and bringing people together, Fifa has been surprisingly quiet as players, officials and supporters face visa problems, lengthy interrogations and entry denials just to attend the tournament.
The list of incidents is growing.
Swiss striker Breel Embolo reportedly had his visa delayed and only joined his team days later.
Iraqi star Aymen Hussein was questioned for several hours after arriving in the United States.
Iran's national team faced major visa difficulties, with some members of its delegation reportedly denied entry.
CAF's Best African Referee of 2025, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, was denied entry despite travelling with a diplomatic passport and will now miss the tournament.
South Africa's national team arrived later than planned because parts of its delegation could not secure visas on time.
Members of Senegal's delegation reportedly faced lengthy searches, while Uzbekistan's team was subjected to intense security checks involving bomb-sniffing dogs.
Even supporters have been affected. Some Scottish fans reportedly had their travel authorisations cancelled shortly before departure, while others from various countries have lost thousands of dollars after visa applications were rejected despite already buying tickets, flights and accommodation.
Yet Fifa's response has been simple: immigration policies are the responsibility of the host country.
That sounds convenient.
Because history shows Fifa is more than willing to get involved when it wants to.
2023, Fifa removed Indonesia as host of the Under-20 World Cup following political objections to Israel's participation.
Back in 1966, Fifa successfully pushed the British government to grant visas to North Korea before the World Cup in England.
So let's not pretend Fifa has no influence.
When Fifa wants to act, it acts.
When Fifa wants to pressure governments, it finds a way.
But when the host nation is the United States, suddenly everything becomes "complicated".
We've heard the same argument whenever questions are raised about Israel's participation in international football despite ongoing geopolitical controversies.
Again, we're told the situation is too complicated.
Maybe the problem isn't complexity.
Maybe the problem is consistency.
Fifa often presents itself as politically neutral. But the reality is that football's governing body has stepped into political issues many times when it suited its interests.
The issue is not whether Fifa should get involved.
The issue is why it chooses to get involved in some situations but stays silent in others.
If Fifa can take action against one host nation, why can't it demand reasonable guarantees for players, officials and supporters attending its biggest tournament?
If Fifa could help solve visa issues in the past, why can't it do the same now?
A World Cup is supposed to bring people together.
Fans should be talking about matches, tactics and title contenders, not visa rejections, border interrogations and travel restrictions.
What's most disappointing is that these controversies are overshadowing what should have been a historic tournament.
Instead of celebrating football's global reach, many people are asking a simple question: Is everyone really welcome?
For years, Fifa has promoted the message that football belongs to everyone.
The events leading up to the 2026 World Cup suggest otherwise.
And until Fifa applies its principles equally, whether the host is Indonesia, England or the United States — its claims of neutrality and inclusivity will continue to sound hollow.
This World Cup was supposed to unite the world.
Instead, it is already showing just how divided it can be. - June 11, 2026
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