ALBAWABA - Before it starts, and as football teams are still arriving in the United States, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been the centre of discussion online, sparking fury and criticism due to actions by the U.S. that were considered 'racist'.
Activists lashed out at Washington, which is one of the three countries hosting the World Cup next to Canada and Mexico, over its inhumane treatment of many players and participants.
The hashtag #BoycottWorldCup2026 has been gaining traction online in response to Washington's actions ahead of the tournament, which is held every four years, as people are calling to boycott the World Cup and avoid participating in or attending any games in the U.S.
FIFA World Cup 2026. (Shutterstock)
#BoycottWorldCup2026, List of U.S. actions against footballers, teams and participants:
1. Somali referee Omar Artan:
Somali association football referee Omar Artan, who was named as the best referee in Africa by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 2025, was denied entry to the U.S. by the country's Customs and Border Protection.
Artan was set to be the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup match. But FIFA confirmed on Monday that he won't be able to train or officiate at the tournament.
2. Iraqi player Ayman Hussein
Iraqi footballer Ayman Hussein was questioned for several hours upon his arrival at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, before he was allowed to enter. According to an Iraqi sporting official, Hussein was held for seven straight hours.
3. Senegal football team:
A video was leaked on social media showing the humiliating treatment of the Senegal national football team by American officials on arrival in the U.S. to participate in the World Cup 2026.
According to activists, U.S. authorities pulled players off the plane for aggressive bag searches, invasive checks, and public degradation right on the tarmac, saying they were treated as criminals.
4. Uzbekistan national team:
Uzbekistan football team reportedly faced drug-sniffing dogs and metal detector checks upon arriving at their training venue in New York.
People decried how the U.S. treated the team, calling it inhuman, a total humiliation and against human rights.
5. Iraq national football team photographer Talal Salah:
Just as what happened with striker Ayman Hussein, Iraq's national team photographer Talal Salah was held and questioned for 10 hours before being denied entry to the U.S.
6. Iran's national team:
Players of the Iranian national team, which are also taking part in the World Cup 2026, were granted American visas; however, they were hit with a same-day entry-exit restriction, meaning that footballers can enter the U.S. to play their game, but they must leave on the same day and immediately after the match.
