Iranian and African journalists denied U.S. visas for 2026 World Cup coverage
The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has protested to FIFA that many Iranian and African journalists accredited for the 2026 World Cup have been denied U.S. entry visas or given single-entry visas, preventing travel between host nations (U.S., Canada, Mexico). AIPS cites financial losses and press freedom concerns, linking the issue to U.S. travel bans and political tensions under President Trump. FIFA says visa decisions are consular matters. Hundreds more journalists from Africa, Asia, and Europe face stalled visa interviews.
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2026 World Cup: African Journalists Denounce Difficulties Obtaining Visas for US Entry
A controversy is affecting the 2026 FIFA World Cup as accredited journalists, including several from Senegal, face major difficulties obtaining entry visas to the United States. The International Association of Sports Press (AIPS) has sent a letter to FIFA denouncing the situation as 'unacceptable,' citing cases of visa refusals and limitations affecting journalists from multiple countries, including Iran and African nations. AIPS president Gianni Merlo warned that some journalists received only single-entry visas, preventing them from traveling to Canada or Mexico and returning to the US. The organization called for rapid intervention to ensure journalists can work under good conditions, emphasizing that media presence is crucial for the image of sport and press freedom in the United States. The issue arises just days before Senegal's opening match against France.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertHundreds of Football Journalists with FIFA Press Passes Unable to Enter United States for World Cup
According to a report by AS Daily, summarized by Hupu News, hundreds of journalists from Africa, Asia, and Europe are unable to enter the United States to cover the upcoming World Cup, despite having obtained official FIFA interview credentials. Gianni Melo, president of the International Sports Journalists Association, confirmed the problem remains unresolved, calling the US situation 'completely unpredictable.' The core issue is that US embassies and consulates in various countries have not scheduled visa interviews for these journalists, stalling the process. African countries like Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, and Morocco are most affected. Even FIFA has been unable to intervene, as host cities must abide by local laws. Melo expressed a glimmer of hope that the situation might improve after the World Cup begins in Mexico City.
虎扑 - 足球Many Iranian and African Journalists Denied US Visas for 2026 World Cup Coverage
The International Association of Sports Journalists (AIPS) has written to FIFA, reporting that many Iranian and African journalists have been denied visas to enter the United States to cover the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The letter, sent on June 5, highlights that some journalists received only single-entry visas, preventing them from traveling between host countries. The issue is linked to US travel bans on Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, which exempt athletes but not media personnel. AIPS urges FIFA to intervene, noting that journalists face significant financial losses and missed opportunities. The US State Department has been contacted for comment, and FIFA confirmed receipt of the letter.
虎扑 - 足球Iranian and African journalists denied World Cup visas, sports press association says
The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has written to FIFA alleging that many Iranian and African journalists have been denied entry visas to cover the 2026 World Cup in the United States. AIPS President Gianni Merlo described the situation as 'countless and unacceptable,' noting that some journalists received single-entry visas, preventing them from re-entering the U.S. after traveling to Canada or Mexico for matches. The letter, addressed to FIFA media relations directors, urges FIFA to intervene to secure proper visas, citing that journalists have already lost money on plane tickets. The U.S. State Department has been contacted for comment, and FIFA confirmed receipt of the letter. The issue is set against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's return to office and broader political tensions, including recent U.S. military action against Iran.
Soccer - The AthleticIranian and African Journalists Denied World Cup Visas, Sports Press Association Says
The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has written to FIFA protesting the denial of entry visas to 'many' Iranian and African journalists accredited to cover the 2026 World Cup in the United States. AIPS President Gianni Merlo described the situation as 'countless and unacceptable' and part of a 'long-standing' problem. Some journalists received single-entry visas, preventing them from re-entering the U.S. after traveling to Canada or Mexico for matches. The letter highlights that teams like Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Tunisia have group-stage games across all three host nations. FIFA confirmed receipt of the letter but stated that visa decisions are ultimately consular and immigration matters. The issue has been a major talking point since President Donald Trump returned to office. The U.S. State Department has been approached for comment.
Soccer - The AthleticIranian and African Journalists Denied World Cup Visas, Sports Press Association Says
The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has written to FIFA protesting the denial of entry visas to 'many' Iranian and African journalists accredited to cover the 2026 World Cup in the United States. AIPS President Gianni Merlo described the situation as 'long-standing and unacceptable,' noting that some colleagues received single-entry visas, preventing them from re-entering the U.S. after traveling to Canada or Mexico for matches. The letter, sent to FIFA media directors, urges FIFA to intervene, citing the importance of press freedom in the U.S. and the financial losses incurred by journalists. FIFA acknowledged the letter but stated that visa decisions are ultimately consular and immigration matters. The issue is compounded by political tensions under President Donald Trump's administration and the logistical challenges of a three-nation tournament.
Soccer - The Athletic