Palestinian Football Association Head Stranded in Mexico Amid US Visa Row

The 2026 FIFA World Cup , promoted as a celebration of global unity through sport, has found itself at the center of a growing controversy after Jibril Rajoub , president of the Palestinian Football Association , was unable to enter the United States because of visa issues.

Rajoub remains in Mexico City , awaiting permission to travel to the United States, where football officials from around the world have gathered for the tournament. While he attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa , he has yet to receive clearance to cross into the US.

His situation is not an isolated case. Several accredited individuals connected to the World Cup, including a referee from Somalia and a photographer travelling with Iraq's national team , have reportedly encountered similar difficulties in obtaining entry into the United States.

Speaking to international media, Rajoub expressed frustration over the delay, arguing that football should unite people rather than be restricted by political or administrative barriers. Although the Palestinian national team failed to qualify for the World Cup, FIFA traditionally invites the heads of its member associations to attend the tournament as part of what it describes as a celebration of the global football family.

The development has once again raised questions about FIFA's promise of inclusivity and universal access during the sport's biggest event. FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged this week that the governing body has been attempting to help resolve visa-related concerns but stressed that it cannot override decisions made by national governments.

The controversy also comes against the backdrop of long-standing tensions involving Palestinian football officials and international football authorities. For years, Palestinian representatives have accused Israel of violating football regulations through issues linked to settlements, restrictions on player movement and the impact of the Gaza conflict on sporting infrastructure. Palestinian officials have repeatedly urged FIFA to take stronger action on these concerns.

Rajoub has been one of the most vocal figures on the issue. During a recent FIFA gathering, he declined a request to shake hands with the head of Israel's football federation , arguing that symbolic gestures would do little to address deeper grievances.

As the FIFA World Cup seeks to showcase a message of inclusivity and international unity, the visa difficulties faced by several delegates have highlighted the increasingly complex intersection of sport, politics and diplomacy . With the tournament now underway, attention remains focused on whether affected officials will ultimately be granted access to football's biggest global stage.