The head of the Palestinian Football Association has stated he cannot travel to the United States with other federation leaders attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup because his visa application was not approved.
Jibril Rajoub attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday. However, he is among several accredited World Cup attendees who have been denied visas or have yet to receive them from the US.
“I don’t believe that it’s fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend,” the veteran Palestinian political figure said.
FIFA's Invitation and US Restrictions
The Palestinian team did not qualify for the World Cup, but FIFA typically invites heads of football associations worldwide to the quadrennial event, which it promotes as a celebration of global unity.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated last year: “Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year. We are working exactly for that.”
However, the US has refused entry to delegates from several countries, including a referee from Somalia and a photographer traveling with Iraq’s team.
FIFA's Efforts and US Stance
Infantino said this week that FIFA had been attempting to resolve visa issues but could not overrule the US government. “We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
The US State Department had no immediate comment on Rajoub’s visa, but last year it implemented new restrictions on Palestinian passport holders, including those employed by the Palestinian Authority. It revoked a visa for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to travel to the UN General Assembly in September.
Palestinian Grievances and Context
Rajoub and other Palestinian football officials have long argued that Israel violates FIFA statutes by allowing teams from settlements in the occupied West Bank to play in Israel’s national league. They have pushed FIFA to impose sanctions on Israel, also criticizing restrictions on the movement of Palestinian players and the impact of the war in the Gaza Strip, which has damaged or destroyed 80% of sports facilities and killed at least 565 players, according to the association.
Last month, Rajoub refused to shake hands with the head of Israel’s football federation at Infantino’s behest, stating the gesture would not heal wounds but instead whitewash Israel’s actions.
Rajoub noted that when Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup, it did not implement comparable visa restrictions for invited attendees.
