FIFA World Cup: Five biggest controversies of the 2026 tournament
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has faced significant controversy, including political interference in player disciplinary actions and discriminatory visa policies. FIFA has been criticized for its perceived lack of independence and failure to address these issues.
Why it matters
The tournament highlights the intersection of global sports, international diplomacy, and the challenges of hosting major events under polarized political climates.
The 2026 World Cup has been full of controversies – Al Jazeera breaks down the five most significant.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info USA footballer Folarin Balogun's red card ban was suspended by FIFA following US President Donald Trump's intervention [Carlos Barria/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff , AFP , AP and Reuters Published On 13 Jul 2026 13 Jul 2026 The 2026 World Cup has been mired in several controversies, from political interference to allegations of greed and spinelessness against FIFA as well as officiating disputes around the widely-loathed VAR.
Al Jazeera breaks down the five biggest controversies of the 2026 football tournament so far.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was unable to take part in the World Cup after being denied entry to the United States, despite having a valid visa.
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