The U.S. State Department has become a major player in the World Cup.
On the eve of the tournament, many involved are facing travel issues as they try to enter the U.S.
At least one player and referee have been held up or denied, while many team staff members and federation leaders have had their visa applications rejected. Journalists are also facing widespread denials or single-entry limits, and Iran’s federation reportedly claimed the U.S. will only let the team enter one day before any match.
The Trump administration has instituted travel policies that ban or restrict visitors from several World Cup participating countries. The administration claims some policies are in the interest of national security, while others seek to limit the spread of disease. These policies have included carveouts for players and staffers, but not fans.
“The denial of visas for journalists from certain countries, or the rejection of a visa for a coach of a team, as well as single-day visas for specific foreign national teams, this is anathema to what this tournament is supposed to be about,” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Monday.