Donald Trump’s administration was dragged into further disrepute after it banned one of Africa’s top referees from entering the country, and now the White House has come out to explain its decision.

With the FIFA World Cup just days away, Somali referee Omar Artan was due to make history by becoming the first official to represent the country at FIFA’s flagship tournament.

However, upon arriving in Miami, Artan was subjected to a lengthy interrogation from US immigration officers before being sent home.

Somalia is currently one of the countries on the United States’ “banned list”, which prohibits travel to and from the East African nation due to concerns around safety and immigration.

What did the White House say in its statement?

The White House has since explained its decision to bar Artan from entry, with Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House task force for the 2026 World Cup, saying: "There have been some officials that have been denied, and for good reason."

Responding to the question, Giuliani added: "We're striking that balance between making sure that any bad actors that try to come into the country under the guise of the World Cup will not get access to the United States."

Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States, despite being a referee for the upcoming World Cup. Credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

In a statement to Fox, Giuliani said: "This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organizations, was discovered making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

He continued: “The traveler was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA. President Trump's administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country - full stop.”

Ongoing immigration restrictions in the US

This comes after numerous players, officials, and fans have either been detained or denied access to the United States for similar reasons.

Due to the ongoing war in the Middle East, Iran’s national side has been forced to house its training base in Mexico, only permitted to access the US for games.

While Artan was denied entry, he was greeted by hundreds of fans when he arrived back in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.

“What happened has happened and it was unfortunate. I am grateful for the support Fifa gave me,” Artan said.

Despite the ongoing civil war, Artan urged his compatriots to support the country, “Somalia is ours, whether things are good or bad. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my country, and there is no other place I want to be.”

“I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” he said as hundreds of supporters at the airport waved the Somali flag. “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”

Featured Image. Credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest sporting events in history – but two surprise qualifiers on Donald Trump’s newly reinstated travel-ban list are already raising major questions about how smoothly the tournament will run on U.S. soil.

The expanded 48-team competition, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, kicks off next summer. With qualifying nearly wrapped, 42 nations have already booked their place, including debut appearances from Curaçao, Cape Verde, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

But the celebrations come with a looming problem.

Two Qualified Teams Appear on Trump’s Banned List

In June, President Trump reintroduced a sweeping travel ban targeting several countries. The list includes Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Eritrea, Equatorial Guinea, and Haiti. Another group – including Cuba, Venezuela, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan – faces partial restrictions.

Iran, who topped their Asian qualifying group with 23 points, have made it to their seventh World Cup. Haiti joined them this week after a decisive 2–0 win over Nicaragua, securing only their second-ever appearance at the tournament.

But both Iran and Haiti remain on the banned list. Reports suggest U.S. authorities have already blocked the Iranian delegation from entering the country for December’s World Cup draw – a worrying sign of what could follow for players, staff, and fans.

Will the Travel Ban Actually Impact the Tournament?

On paper, Trump’s restrictions bar most nationals from banned countries from entering the U.S. as immigrants or tourists. That includes thousands of fans who would otherwise be traveling to support their teams.

However, athletes competing in major international sporting events are exempt – meaning players, coaches, and essential staff from the affected nations will be allowed in. Immediate family members are reportedly also covered.

The real uncertainty lies with supporters.

The U.S. hosts 11 World Cup cities, and FIFA expects to make more than six million tickets available, according to The Guardian. But fans from banned nations will need to navigate a more complicated visa process than most.

U.S. Announces Special Visa System for Ticket Holders

To handle the massive influx of applications, U.S. embassies will use a newly created FIFA Prioritised Appointment Scheduling System (PASS). Fans with verified tickets will be bumped to the front of the line for visa interviews, though approval still isn’t guaranteed.

“America welcomes the world,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino said, calling PASS “a very concrete example” of efforts to make 2026 the most inclusive World Cup ever.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that PASS “guarantees you an expedited appointment” but stressed that all applicants face the same vetting process, BBC News reports.

Meanwhile, Trump has continued warning host cities that they could lose their matches if they don’t crack down on crime – most recently aiming threats at Seattle after similar remarks about Boston.

A Tournament Full of Buzz (and Uncertainty)

With the World Cup draw set for December 5 and the tournament just months away, FIFA, U.S. officials, and competing nations are working through the diplomatic complications.

For now, Iran and Haiti remain fully qualified — and fully restricted. Whether the political tension spills onto the pitch is a storyline no one expected heading into 2026, but it’s already shaping up to be one of the tournament’s biggest off-field dramas.

Featured image credit: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is due to kick off at the Estadio Bonarte in Mexico City on June 11, but fans of some nations may face some trouble if they're traveling to any games in the US.

Back in June 2025, the Trump Administration provided a list of 75 countries whose citizens were handed "suspended immigrant visa processing."

It's made the travel situation more stressful, with many countries' fans left in limbo with just one week to go until the tournament kicks off.

The tournament is taking place across the North American continent, with the US, Canada, and Mexico hosting games.

However, the majority of games, including the final, will be played on American soil.

So, with the biggest tournament in world soccer fast approaching, how will Trump's immigration restrictions affect those looking to make the trek to the US?

The Trump administration may have caused an issue at this summer's World Cup. Credit: Anadolu / Getty

Why has the US suspended Immigrant Visa Processing?

A footballer has already fallen victim to the US' new visa restrictions, as Swiss forward Breel Donald Embolo couldn't fly to the US with the squad after his ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) was denied.

However, it is believed that this was due to a criminal case from his home nation in 2023, as he was found guilty of making multiple threats, and he was also given a suspended fine following an altercation back in 2018.

It isn't clear if similar issues have taken place on a wider scale yet, but with the World Cup fast approaching, fans are bracing themselves.

The move to suspend immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries is expected to have numerous effects, having first been implemented in January 2026.

As one of the biggest changes to US immigration practices under the Trump administration, it was decided to reduce legal immigration by restricting entry for individuals from countries deemed likely to rely on public assistance.

It has primarily affected applicants from a number of regions such as Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe.

Luckily, this suspension should not affect non-immigrant visas such as those for tourism or business travel, which will continue to be processed.

Trump's policies could affect fans of World Cup nations. Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The 75 affected countries

The full list of nations affected by the move includes several countries with a range of political, economic, and security conditions.

These countries have been affected by immigrant visa processing:

1. Afghanistan
2. Albania
3. Algeria
4. Antigua and Barbuda
5. Armenia
6. Azerbaijan
7. Bahamas
8. Bangladesh
9. Barbados
10. Belarus
11. Belize
12. Bhutan
13. Bosnia and Herzegovina
14. Brazil
15. Myanmar
16. Cambodia
17. Cameroon
18. Cape Verde
19. Colombia
20. Côte d'Ivoire
21. Cuba
22. Democratic Republic of the Congo
23. Dominica
24. Egypt
25. Eritrea
26. Ethiopia
27. Fiji
28. The Gambia
29. Georgia
30. Ghana
31. Grenada
32. Guatemala
33. Guinea
34. Haiti
35. Iran
36. Iraq
37. Jamaica
38. Jordan
39. Kazakhstan
40. Kosovo
41. Kuwait
42. Kyrgyzstan
43. Laos
44. Lebanon
45. Liberia
46. Libya
47. North Macedonia
48. Moldova
49. Mongolia
50. Montenegro
51. Morocco
52. Nepal
53. Nicaragua
54. Nigeria
55. Pakistan
56. Republic of the Congo
57. Russia
58. Rwanda
59. St Kitts and Nevis
60. St Lucia
61. St Vincent and the Grenadines
62. Senegal
63. Sierra Leone
64. Somalia
65. South Sudan
66. Sudan
67. Syria
68. Tanzani
69. Thailand
70. Togo
71. Tunisia
72. Uganda
73. Uruguay
74. Uzbekistan
75. Yemen

Once again, fans for all but one nation seem to be safe from visa restrictions, as this list only covers those looking to secure immigration status to the US.

The only nation whose fans may face trouble is the Ivory Coast.

According to Fragomen, it was listed in January as a country whose non-immigrant visa issuance was suspended in the B, F, M, and J visa classifications, for temporary visitors, students, and exchange visitors.

For nationals of the other 19 countries, the new proclamation suspends immigrant visa issuance, as well as nonimmigrant visa issuance in only the B, F, M, and J visa classifications for temporary visitors, students, and exchange visitors.

In a positive move, the Trump administration confirmed that ticket-holding supporters from Algeria, Cape Verde, the Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia will be exempt from the requirement to post a visa deposit, from May this year.

Featured image credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

The FIFA World Cup will be here before we know it, but for some fans, gaining entry to the US to watch the games could prove tricky...

The biggest sporting event on the planet will be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA this summer.

While fans from around the world usually flock in their hundreds of thousands to the tournaments, this year might be a little different due to Visa bans.

15 World Cup Teams Affected by the Visa Ban

Among the 15 countries impacted by this measure is Brazil, the country with the most World Cup wins in history, per LBC.

Brazil also clinched the title during the 1994 World Cup, which was held on American soil. The current ban could make it harder for Brazilian supporters and officials to attend the event this year.

Scotland, which is making its first appearance in a World Cup finals since 1998, is facing a similar situation.

All three of Scotland’s group opponents - Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti - are on the list of affected countries. If the visa ban remains in place, it could potentially limit the number of fans and officials traveling to the US to support their teams during the tournament.

The World Cup kicks off in June. Credit: Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu via Getty Images

The Reason Behind the Visa Restrictions

According to the memo, the visa restrictions are part of a temporary move by the Trump administration to strengthen its vetting procedures for applicants.

The policy aims to prevent individuals who might rely on public benefits or welfare programs from entering the country.

As part of the vetting process, US officials will consider several factors, including an applicant’s health, age, and proficiency in English.

"The State Department will use its long-standing authority to deem ineligible potential immigrants who would become a public charge on the United States and exploit the generosity of the American people," said State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott.

He added: "Immigration from these 75 countries will be paused while the State Department reassesses immigration processing procedures to prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits."

The bans will impact which fans can travel to the US. Credit: Michael Regan - FIFA / Getty

Affected Countries: A Full List

The visa ban is likely to have a major impact on World Cup logistics, especially if the restrictions persist throughout the tournament.

Aside from Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, the policy affects several other footballing nations. These include:

1. Algeria
2. Cape Verde
3. Colombia
4. Cote d'Ivoire
5. Egypt
6. Ghana
7. Iran
8. Jordan
9. Senegal
10. Tunisia
11. Uruguay
12. Uzbekistan

Potential Impact on World Cup Attendance

If the ban remains in place, the absence of fans from these 75 countries could create a noticeable void in the stadiums, with fewer supporters attending matches to cheer on their teams.

This could alter the atmosphere of the tournament and affect the overall fan experience.

The timing of this visa freeze is also notable, as it coincides with rising tensions between the US and Iran, another country that will participate in the World Cup.

The Trump administration is reportedly weighing options to strike Iran following its violent crackdown on protests by the Islamic regime.

Featured image credit: Michael Regan - FIFA / Getty

Donald Trump has sparked another debate after suggesting the NFL should consider changing its name, arguing that soccer is the only sport that should be called "football".

The remarks were made during a speech alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who appeared to welcome the idea, reacting with visible approval while standing next to Trump on stage.

The clip has recently resurfaced following the launch of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The flagship tournament has already seen an eventful start, with Mexico beating South Africa in the competition’s opening match, Canada drawing with Bosnia, and the US securing a dominant 4-1 win over Paraguay.

Trump says the NFL should change its name during the World Cup. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty

Trump's controversial claim

Speaking about the sport’s growing popularity in the US, Trump said: "When you look what has happened to football in the United States, again soccer in the United States, we seem to never call it that, because we have a little bit of a conflict with another thing that's called football."

He went on to question the naming of the NFL, adding: "But when you think about it, shouldn't it really called, this is football, there's no question, we have to come up with another name for the NFL. It really doesn't make sense when you think about it, it is really football."

Social media has its say

The comments quickly divided opinion online.

Some viewers surprisingly agreed with the former president’s take, with one writing: "First time all year I heard this guy say something coherent, thought of, and made a little bit of sense."

Another added: "I never thought I’d live to see the day I’d agree with this man… he’s actually right for once."

However, many American football fans strongly pushed back on the idea. One critic responded: "That’s about as un-American as it gets."

Another joked: "I will call it Trump Ball, it will be terrific, it will be the best football since football."

The World Cup is officially underway in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Credit: Hector Vivas - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

With the World Cup now underway and global attention firmly on the sport, Trump’s comments have only added to the ongoing debate over what truly deserves to be called "football".

Featured Image. Credit: Anna Moneymaker / Getty