Jibril Rajoub Waits in Mexico City as Fifa Fantasy World Cup 2026 Visa Fight Grows
Jibril Rajoub was waiting in Mexico City for permission to enter the United States while FIFA federation heads attended the tournament, putting the fifa fantasy world cup 2026 visa issue in plain view. The Palestinian Football Association chief said the denials were unfair as World Cup hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States prepare to welcome accredited visitors.
Rajoub in Mexico City
Rajoub went to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday, then said he was waiting in the Mexican capital for entry permission with other federation heads attending the World Cup. In an interview while he waited, he said: “I don’t believe that it’s fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend”
The Palestinian team did not qualify for the World Cup, but Rajoub’s case still reaches beyond one delegation. FIFA typically invites the heads of football associations from around the world to the tournament every four years, and this one is being staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
FIFA and Washington
Gianni Infantino said last year that “Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the Fifa World Cup next year. We are working exactly for that” Yet this week he said FIFA had been trying to resolve visa issues but could not overrule the US government.
On Wednesday, Infantino repeated the limit of FIFA’s power in sharper terms: “We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces”
The United States has refused entry to delegates from a raft of countries, including a referee from Somalia and a photographer traveling with Iraq’s team. That leaves Rajoub’s wait in Mexico City as part of a wider access problem for accredited people tied to the tournament, not an isolated delay.
Access for World Cup delegates
For officials invited to the World Cup every four years, the issue now sits between FIFA’s public promise and the reality of US border control. Rajoub is still in Mexico City, the opening match has already been played, and the visa dispute is now a live part of the buildup around the tournament rather than a background concern.
