FIFA’s president said the organization cannot judge government policy after a Somali referee was denied entry to the United States.
Published June 11, 2026
FIFA president Gianni Infantino brushed aside concerns over ongoing visa issues for players and officials entering the United States for the World Cup, saying the international soccer federation’s executives are not the “kings of the world” and cannot overturn government decisions.
In response to media questions on Wednesday, on the eve of the tournament, Infantino said FIFA is focused on being a “sporting organization” and would not interfere in U.S. immigration decisions.
“We are always trying to find solutions. Always,” Infantino said at a news conference in Mexico City.
“But we have to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule the government and the police, but we don’t know what that is. We are a sporting organization and we are trying to do the best we can with the means we have.”
Earlier this week, the United States denied entry to Somalia-born referee Omar Altan, who was scheduled to play in the World Cup, even though he had a valid visa. Infantino called the turn of events “unfortunate,” but did not share details of the situation or knowledge of any background behind the U.S. decision.
FIFA removed Artan from the tournament’s roster after the United States refused to allow him to participate.
The FIFA chief’s press conference followed comments from US President Donald Trump, who said his administration is working to ensure the “right people” enter the country for the World Cup.
Infantino said FIFA understands there is a time to “calm down and relax” when visa issues arise rather than triggering a new dispute.
“In some cases, immediately starting screaming and screaming can be counterproductive in terms of finding solutions,” he said.
Infantino said FIFA has no regrets in choosing the United States as one of three hosts for the 48-team tournament.
War against Iran and ticket prices
This year’s World Cup marks the first time since its inception in 1930 that the host country will host a country at war.
The US and Israel’s war against Iran has turned the world’s biggest sporting event into a geopolitical contest, and both Washington and Iran appear to be using it for political posturing.
Iranian players were issued visas to enter the United States 10 days before the first game in Los Angeles.
Asked about the situation with the Iranian team, which will train in Mexico, shuttle to a match in the United States and then return to Tijuana, Infantino clarified that he was not saying that FIFA was indifferent when it came to supporting tournament participants.
“I’m not going to sit back and do nothing. I want to trust that we’re working behind the scenes to try to figure it out,” he said. “There are things we are told and things we are not told, and we always try to keep things positive and find solutions.
“We succeeded in getting Iran to play in America. I don’t know who could have done that…We don’t live on the moon, we live on Earth, and we’re trying our best.”
