Culture
World Cup opens amid visa disputes for Iran, Iraq and Somalia
Iran says a number of team staff were denied entry into the US, with Trump administration officials touting efforts to prevent affiliates of designated terrorist groups from entering.
The much-anticipated 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup began on Thursday following a number of immigration controversies related to players and personnel from Iran, Iraq and Somalia.
The first match in the quadrennial association football (soccer) tournament is between co-host Mexico and South Africa and takes place in Mexico City. This year’s World Cup is being held across North America, with games in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
The first team from the Middle East and North Africa scheduled to take the pitch is Qatar, who will play Switzerland on Saturday in Santa Clara, California. 2022 semifinalist Morocco will play fellow contender Brazil later the same day in New Jersey.
Iranian staff denied visas
