The 2026 World Cup is in danger of becoming more controversial than the previous editions in Russia and Qatar. The tournament, which is supposed to bring together the best of the best in football, has been marred by concerns about the potential presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at stadiums and how fans could be affected. The case of Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was denied entry into the United States for the World Cup, highlights the issue of immigration policies and their impact on the tournament. Artan, who was supposed to be the first Somali to officiate at the World Cup, faced an 11-hour grilling by immigration officials and was put back on a plane. This incident raises questions about how FIFA allowed it to get to this stage and whether the organization has lost control of the tournament. The US government's immigration crackdown, led by President Trump, has placed immigration above anything else, including the World Cup. Trump's comments about Somalia and other countries have drawn widespread attention, and his administration's policies have consistently put fans off making the trip. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Iran has accused the US of denying visas to 15 "integral" members of their backroom staff, and there are concerns about the potential disruption to the tournament. The next test will come on Sunday, when Iran is due to fly into the United States for the first time. If a team cannot attend their own game, it would be another unprecedented twist. The incident involving Artan and the concerns about immigration policies suggest that the US government is in control of the tournament, and FIFA's ability to manage the event is in question. The organization's previous words about the importance of access for officials and supporters seem hollow in light of the current situation. The 2026 World Cup is a test of FIFA's ability to manage a global event, and the organization must address the concerns raised by Artan and other officials to ensure a successful tournament.
