Full Breakdown
Palestinian Football Chief Denied U.S. Visa Ahead of 2026 World Cup
6/12/2026, 11:37:54 PM
Visa Denial Blocks Palestinian FA Chief from U.S. Leg
Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), has been denied a U.S. visa that would allow him to travel from Mexico to the United States with other federation heads attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although accredited for the tournament, Rajoub remains in Mexico City and cannot join the opening-match delegation in the U.S.
Background: FIFA Invitation and U.S. Visa Policy
FIFA traditionally invites the heads of all national football associations to the World Cup as a symbol of global unity. President Gianni Infantino pledged that “everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States” for the 2026 event. In the months preceding the tournament, the United States introduced new restrictions on Palestinian passport holders, including individuals employed by the Palestinian Authority, and revoked a visa previously granted to President Mahmoud Abbas for a United Nations General Assembly visit. The U.S. State Department has not provided a specific reason for Rajoub’s denial, and similar visa refusals have affected a Somali referee and an Iraqi team photographer.
Key Figures & Groups
- Jibril Rajoub – President, Palestinian Football Association.
- Gianni Infantino – President, FIFA.
- U.S. State Department – Federal agency responsible for visa issuance.
- Mahmoud Abbas – President of the Palestinian Authority (visa revoked in 2025).
- Israel Football Federation – Headed by an unnamed official with whom Rajoub declined a handshake.
Data & Statistics
- The PFA reports that 80 % of Gaza’s sports facilities were destroyed during the ongoing conflict.
- At least 565 Palestinian players have been killed, according to the association.
- The Palestinian national team did not qualify for the 2026 World Cup, yet its federation chief received an official invitation.
- The United States has denied entry to a referee from Somalia and a photographer traveling with Iraq’s national team.
Official Statements & Responses
- FIFA: Infantino emphasized that FIFA “cannot overrule the U.S. government” and that the organization “needs to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces.”
- U.S. State Department: No immediate comment was offered regarding Rajoub’s visa status.
- U.S. Policy: New restrictions target Palestinian passport holders linked to the Palestinian Authority, reflecting a broader tightening of entry criteria.
Criticism & Opposition
Rajoub condemned the denial as “unfair” and likened it to a “use or abuse” of the right of football representatives to attend the tournament. He noted that when Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup, “it did not implement comparable visa restrictions for people who were invited to the tournament.” Rajoub also refused to shake hands with the head of Israel’s football federation, arguing that the gesture would “whitewash Israel’s actions” rather than address the underlying conflict.
On-the-Ground Report
While the opening match between Mexico and South Africa unfolded in Mexico City, Rajoub waited for U.S. entry clearance. He reiterated his belief that all football officials should be permitted to attend the World Cup, regardless of political disputes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The U.S. State Department has not disclosed the criteria used to deny Rajoub’s visa.
- No timeline has been provided for a possible reversal of the decision.
- It remains unclear whether other accredited officials face similar obstacles beyond the documented cases of the Somali referee and Iraqi photographer.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Jibril Rajoub, PFA President
- “Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the Fifa World Cup next year. We are working exactly for that.” — Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
- “We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” — Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
- “Last month, Rajoub refused to shake hands with the head of Israel’s football federation at Infantino’s behest because he said the gesture would not heal wounds but instead whitewash Israel’s actions.” — Jibril Rajoub, PFA President
- “Rajoub pointed out that when Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup, it did not implement comparable visa restrictions for people who were invited to the tournament.” — Jibril Rajoub, PFA President
What’s Next
FIFA continues to engage with U.S. authorities to resolve outstanding visa issues before the tournament’s second leg in the United States. Rajoub remains in Mexico awaiting clearance, and the situation may influence broader discussions on the intersection of sport, diplomacy, and travel policy during the 2026 World Cup.
