'Inclusive' World Cup falls short as some fans shut out, rights groups say

FIFA’s 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has drawn sharp criticism from rights organizations and fans who argue that the tournament fell short of its goal of inclusivity due to restrictive U.S. visa policies. Despite being the largest ever, with 48 teams participating, the event faced accusations of excluding many international visitors, particularly from African and Middle Eastern nations. The Sport & Rights Alliance, a coalition of advocacy groups, accused FIFA of failing to deliver on its pledge of making the World Cup “the most inclusive” global sporting event. The controversy emerged as several countries struggled to secure visas for their fans and workers. According to Ronan Evain, executive director of Football Supporters Europe, nations such as Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, and Uzbekistan found it nearly impossible to obtain travel authorization. “We’re still struggling to look for anyone that was able, any ticket holder that was able, to get a visa for the World Cup,” he stated. This situation contradicted FIFA’s public assurances that the U.S., one of the host nations, would welcome participants from around the globe. The issue gained further attention when Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the U.S. despite holding a valid visa. His exclusion was attributed to his alleged ties with suspected members of terrorist organizations, according to the Trump administration. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously urged fans to “chill, relax” regarding visa restrictions, emphasizing that immigration decisions were made by national authorities rather than FIFA itself. However, the incident highlighted the broader tensions between the tournament’s ideals of unity and the realities of U.S. immigration policy under the previous administration. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin defended the visa denials, stating that his department had coordinated with FIFA officials. Meanwhile, the U.S. government suspended the issuance of visas to most citizens of Senegal, resulting in the nation being vastly outnumbered in the stands. This decision, along with others, contributed to a sense of exclusion among certain fan bases and underscored the challenges faced by international attendees. The Sport & Rights Alliance expressed concerns about the safety of journalists and fans during the tournament, noting that FIFA had created a “distinctively dangerous climate of fear” amid ongoing immigration enforcement measures. The group warned that these policies could have a chilling effect on free expression and participation in global sports events. A detailed report outlining these human rights issues is set to be released in September. Despite the controversies, the tournament celebrated several milestones. Haiti’s historic participation marked its first World Cup appearance in 52 years, while Cape Verde achieved a notable “Cinderella run.” Additionally, Pride Match Day in Seattle saw rainbow flags displayed, symbolizing support for LGBTQ+ communities. These moments were praised by Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch, who acknowledged the positive aspects of the event while highlighting the darker side of the policies implemented by the tournament’s primary hosts. As the tournament concludes, the debate over its inclusivity continues. While FIFA and the U.S. government have offered explanations for the visa restrictions, critics argue that the outcomes reveal a disconnect between the organization’s promises and the lived experiences of many international fans and workers. The long-term impact of these policies on future global sporting events remains uncertain, but the 2026 World Cup has left a complex legacy, one of both celebration and contention.