The chief of the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup, Andrew Giuliani, has supported the decision to deny visas to a Somali referee and certain support staff members of the Iranian football team. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, set to officiate at the World Cup finals in North America, was refused entry to the United States. Giuliani, executive director of the task force, emphasized that the denial was for a valid reason, without disclosing specifics.
Iran, slated to play in the U.S., shifted their training camp from Arizona to Mexico due to visa processing issues for team staff and security concerns. While the Iranian coaching staff will be present, some officials will not, citing undisclosed reasons. Iran has arranged travel plans for their group-stage matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ensuring all players have obtained visas for entry into the U.S. The national team will fly from Mexico to host cities in the U.S., with a short flight from their base in Tijuana to Los Angeles recommended over an eight-hour drive.
