Palestinian Football Chief Faces U.S. Visa Delays Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, is currently in Mexico City awaiting U.S. permission to enter for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite FIFA's invitation to football federation heads worldwide, Rajoub and other accredited delegates from various countries have faced visa denials or delays by the U.S. government. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has expressed efforts to resolve these issues but acknowledged the U.S. government's authority over visa decisions. The U.S. has imposed new restrictions on Palestinian passport holders, affecting officials including Rajoub.