FIFA's mandate has collapsed at the US-hosted 2026 World Cup as visa denials, deportations, and exclusion – targeting Iran, African and Muslim-majority countries – revealing that geopolitics, not merit, now determines access.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened Thursday with a glittering ceremony at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, followed by the hosts defeating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match.

Iran thanks Mexico and criticizes the US for the way they have welcomed World Cup footballers, referees and fans.

A series of visa denials, delays, and invasive security checks targeting Asian and African teams, officials, and fans ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup smacks of discriminatory treatment and raises questions about the US as host.

Iran’s Football Federation has formally requested FIFA permission for its national team players to wear black armbands during their upcoming World Cup group-stage match against Egypt.

The United States is facing a growing scandal after its authorities subjected the Uzbekistan and Senegal national soccer teams to humiliating searches using sniffer dogs.

​​​​​​​In another scandalous event just days before the 2026 World Cup, a highly decorated Somali referee, widely described as Africa's finest, has been denied entry to the United States.