President Donald Trump has said that his administration is reviewing visa processes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and is focused on ensuring only “the right people” enter the United States for the tournament.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump confirmed he plans to attend some matches while addressing growing reports of entry denials for officials and tensions involving certain national teams.

The comments come as the co-hosted tournament, spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces logistical and diplomatic friction before its opening matches.

Somali Referee Barred at Border

U.S. Customs and Border Protection denied entry to Somali referee Omar Artan at Miami International Airport despite a valid visa and FIFA accreditation.

Officials cited vetting concerns after inspecting the referee, who was held for more than 11 hours before being returned.

Artan, named Africa’s best male referee in 2025 and the first Somali selected for a World Cup, had traveled from Istanbul to join a pre-tournament training camp in Florida. He was subsequently removed from the list of 52 match officials.

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Upon returning to Mogadishu on Wednesday, Artan received a hero’s welcome and told supporters he intends to officiate at the next World Cup.

FIFA stated it has no role in immigration decisions and confirmed Artan’s removal would not affect the overall referee roster. Somali officials said they had engaged with U.S. and FIFA authorities in attempts to reverse the decision.

Iranian Team Trains in Mexico

The Iranian national team arrived in Mexico after encountering visa and entry complications tied to ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions, including recent military strikes. The squad established its training base in the Tijuana area rather than inside the United States.

Forward Mehdi Taremi described an atmosphere of tension upon arrival.

“I’ve been to three World Cups and they always say once you get off the plane and enter the host country, there’s just a unique atmosphere of friendliness,” Taremi told ESPN through a translator. “Unfortunately, I’m not feeling it right now.”

Iran will play its group-stage matches on U.S. soil, facing New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Inglewood, California, before taking on Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.

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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum had offered hosting support for the team. Reports indicate several Iranian support staff members faced visa denials on security grounds.

U.S. officials have described the denial of Artan’s entry as being based on associations with suspected terror-linked individuals, though details remain limited.

Critics, including former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, argued the move undermines the spirit of the tournament. Supporters, however, view the actions as necessary border security measures.

FIFA has emphasized that participating teams and officials must comply with host-country immigration rules.

Trump’s remarks on Wednesday signaled continued close oversight of the process.

“We’re working on it very closely to make sure the right people come into our country,” he said.

The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11, with organizers continuing to address last-minute travel and accreditation issues as teams finalize preparations.

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