Revoked visas, mass shooting, other dramas of 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup co-hosted by USA, Mexico, and Canada begins today with Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match at the Aztec stadium. Many had looked forward to a tournament of celebrations but chaos has reigned supreme with almost every participating nation in the firing line. In this piece, we provide a […]

The 2026 World Cup co-hosted by USA, Mexico, and Canada begins today with Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match at the Aztec stadium.

Many had looked forward to a tournament of celebrations but chaos has reigned supreme with almost every participating nation in the firing line. In this piece, we provide a rundown of the chaos from the gentle to the absurd non-sporting events happening in North America.

Iran officials denied visa

The US and Iran have been locked in a bitter conflict since February, and the Persians previously threatened to boycott the World Cup in protest of the war. However, the US did not cool on the conflict for the World Cup with several officials of the country’s delegation to the World Cup denied visas. The move was widely condemned and has not been resolved days to their World Cup matches in the US. Iran is currently based in Mexico and hopes the full team can gain access into and out of the country per match.

US cancels Iran fans’ ticket

Not satisfied with denying officials visa, Iran fans woke up to cancellation of their tickets by a combined effort of US and FIFA. The 8% ticket allocation to the country for distribution among fans was revoked, leading to accusations of FIFA violating its regulations. The decision has led to further boycott from more fans, with stands expected to be empty during matches.

Switzerland striker denied visa

On June 2, Breel Embolo was disembarked from Switzerland’s aircraft about to take off from Zurich to the US. The striker was alleged by US immigration officials to possessing a criminal conviction by a Swiss court in 2023. The Rennes forward was forced to an emergency meeting with US officials at their embassy in Bern for a review of his revoked visa, and he was cleared on June 4. He joined the team in the US but could not participate in the first warm up match.

US revokes visa of Scotland fans

Scotland has not been at the World Cup in almost 30 years and fans trooped out in thousands in classic British fashion to book a World Cup visa which was approved. However, majority had their travel pass revoked due to “aggressive immigration enforcements.” Hundreds were turned back from boarding planes, and it took a diplomatic intervention for fans to reapply for travel approvals, causing an unlikely crisis between both nations.

Mass shooting around England camp

The English team is set to be based in Kansas. A mass shooting was recorded four miles away from their training base and hotel. The team was still in Florida for pre-World Cup matches and is expected to reach base on June 13, but they will be wary of an incident that led to nine persons injured but without life-threatening injuries. The British media is worried but US authorities claimed it is not one to bother about.

Iraq striker interrogated for nine hours

US Customs and Border Patrol team questioned Aymen Hussein, Iran’s star striker, for seven hours upon arrival in the US on June 6 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport. The forward’s goal secured the country’s World Cup return, but his phone and personal effects were scrutinized, and the team left him with the authorities, before officials returned to secure his release. The team’s photographer Talal Salah was unlucky as he endured a 10-hour delay before he was deported.

Senegal, Uzbekistan, and Belgium scanned with sniffer dogs

The three countries were profiled upon entry into the US, with aggressive screening of the contingents and their personal luggage. Sniffer dogs were also employed for the hours-long, exhaustive search that received global backlash. The image of Kevin de Bruyne getting searched personally further drew wide condemnation.

Somali referee sent back home

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, arguably Africa’s best referee, was grilled for 11 hours at the Miami international airport despite presenting a diplomatic passport. Selected as one of the referees from CAF to shine on the world stage, Artan who was named best African referee in 2025 was instead alleged to have terrorism ties by the US, an allegation he vehemently denied.

The 34-year-old was deported but was greeted to a hero’s welcome in his homeland, but UEFA has named him the umpire for the Super Cup in August, a first for an African referee.