As the World Cup kicks off, restrictive U.S. immigration policies have already disrupted participant travel plans. Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein faced hours of detention upon arrival at Chicago's O'Hare airport, while Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a decorated Somali referee named Africa's best, was deported back to Turkey despite proper documentation.

The incidents expose tensions between FIFA's promises of inclusivity and Washington's tightened border controls under the Trump administration. Gianni Infantino previously assured smooth entry for all participants, but journalists from the Middle East and Africa have struggled to obtain clearance. Iranian team officials also saw visa applications rejected amid ongoing sanctions and regional conflicts.

Security screening has intensified for teams with Muslim contingents, including Senegal and Uzbekistan, creating friction ahead of the tournament. Ilhan Omar condemned the deportation as shameful, arguing it contradicts the World Cup's unifying spirit. Rights groups warn these policies could undermine the event's global appeal.

With FIFA projecting billions in economic impact for the North American host countries, immigration bottlenecks threaten both the spectacle's reputation and its commercial success. The controversy highlights how geopolitical tensions can disrupt even the world's most beloved sporting event.