Even before the first whistle blows, the 2026 World Cup—taking place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—already has winners and losers away from the field. Specifically, at the border, at passport control, in consular offices, and at US airports. Here, amidst denied visas, prolonged checks, and contested entries, a parallel competition is emerging where human rights are at stake.

This World Cup was meant to be a global celebration of soccer in North America. For the first time in history, the tournament is being held in three different countries, a move meant to unite the entire continent and turn the World Cup into an even more inclusive event.

But restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration are impeding those goals. Players, managers, and referees are coming up against some harsh realities even before they take the field. Currently, 39 countries face full or partial US travel bans, and four of them—Haiti, Iran, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire are set to play in the World Cup. So far, incidents involving US entry for participants from Iran, Iraq, and Somalia are fueling controversy and leading to questions about FIFA’s ability to hold a tournament with equal access for all participants.

Human rights organizations have already expressed concern about the impact of immigration policies and strengthened controls in host countries, warning that the tournament also risks becoming a test case when it comes to upholding fundamental freedoms.

The most emblematic of the US immigration issues to surface so far have involved Iran. Following months of conflict and geopolitical tensions between Washington, DC, and Tehran, the country’s national team faces limited movement and scrutiny during its time traveling to US stadiums for matches.

While the Iranian team obtained the necessary visas for its players, the conditions were particularly restrictive. According to the Iranian ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, members of the team will be allowed to...