UN rights chief urges US to review immigration measures ahead of World Cup
The United Nations’ top human rights official, Volker Türk, has appealed to the United States to reassess its immigration approach as the FIFA World Cup approaches.
Concerns surrounding U.S. border and visa procedures have already attracted significant attention before the tournament’s opening match. The debate intensified after reported entry-related challenges involving members of the national teams from Iran, Iraq, Senegal, and Uzbekistan.
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Additional reports indicated that Swiss forward Breel Embolo encountered visa complications, while Somali referee Omar Artan was refused entry to the United States in one of the most widely discussed incidents. Several fans and media representatives have also allegedly faced difficulties while dealing with U.S. immigration authorities.
Immigration statelemate
Addressing reporters in Geneva on Wednesday, June 11, 2026, Türk expressed concern over the impact of current immigration enforcement practices, stating: “I really hope that there’s a massive re-think of how immigration enforcement is impacting human rights and human dignity, and that especially for the World Cup, there is a re-think of the policies that we have unfortunately seen prevailing, especially in the US.” He said.
Following the entry denial, Artan returned to Somalia, where he was warmly received by supporters. The referee later said he had “promised” himself that he would be present at the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be jointly staged by Spain, Morocco, and Portugal.
Infantino’s resignation
Meanwhile, Turk’s concern comes shortly after Dutch football icon Ruud Gullit publicly called for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to consider resigning, citing concerns over immigration-related issues that have overshadowed preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
In an open letter released on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, just one day before the tournament begins, the former Netherlands star expressed frustration over a growing number of travel and entry complications affecting players, officials, and supporters heading to the competition.
“I have stayed quiet for a long time because I wanted to judge this World Cup on football matters. But the deeper we get into the preparations, the more it becomes clear that football is no longer the main story. For that reason, I believe Gianni Infantino should seriously consider stepping down as FIFA President.” He said.
