The head of the Palestinian Football Association is waiting in Mexico City for permission to enter the United States after failing to secure a visa to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside other football federation leaders.
Jibril Rajoub, who attended Thursday’s opening match between Mexico and South Africa, is among several accredited World Cup participants who have either been denied US visas or are still awaiting approval.
“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,” Rajoub said.
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FIFA faces growing questions over access
Although Palestine did not qualify for the tournament, FIFA traditionally invites heads of football associations from around the world as part of what it describes as a global celebration of the sport.
The visa issue has affected delegates from multiple countries, including a Somali referee and a photographer travelling with Iraq’s national team.
