Questions Raised Over Reported Entry Issues Ahead of 2026 World Cup
According to multiple reports, Iraq's national team captain was detained for seven hours at an airport, while a leading African referee expected to become the first Somali official to oversee a World Cup match was allegedly denied entry. Reports have also claimed that members of the Senegal, Iraq and Iran national teams were subjected to heightened
scrutiny with some describing their treatment as resembling that of criminal suspects. In addition, Morocco supporters holding valid match tickets were reportedly refused entry. Further allegations include the denial of entry to Iraq's team photographer despite possessing a valid visa, as well as 14 members of Iran's backroom staff who reportedly held approved travel documents. The reported incidents have prompted questions about travel procedures and accessibility ahead of football's biggest tournament, though authorities have not publicly confirmed the allegations.
