The World Cup Is Exposing FIFA’s Ugly Partnership With Power
Football’s governing body, FIFA, won’t even stand up for players, referees, and fans who are being harassed by the US authorities. It’s no surprise FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has also offered his services to help whitewash Israel’s genocide in Gaza.
Argentina's President Javier Milei, Hungary's former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend the inaugural meeting of the "Board of Peace" hosted by Donald Trump in Washington, DC, on February 19, 2026. (Saul Loeb / AFP via Getty Images)
The World Cup has already highlighted what a horrible cohost the United States is. Africa’s leading referee, Omar Artan of Somalia, was denied a visa for entry into the United States, as was the head of the Palestinian football authority.
Iran’s players are based in Mexico, only allowed entry to the United States on the days of the matches themselves, and have to leave immediately afterward. Several members of the Iranian delegation have been denied entry altogether, and the ticket allocation for Iran’s fans has been revoked.
An Iraqi player was detained by immigration officials for seven hours of questioning on arrival. The players of Uzbekistan, South Africa, and Senegal have also been harassed and delayed. Moroccan fans have been denied visas en masse with no explanation offered, while visa rejection rates for nationals from many other countries are exceptionally high.
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