Denied Entry: Journalists Blocked From Covering the World Cup

Journalists from Iran and Africa are reportedly being stopped at U. S. borders, preventing them from covering the World Cup, says a leading sports press group. \n\nThe association wrote to FIFA officials on Friday, urging action after many accredited reporters were denied visas. They highlighted that several journalists received single-entry permits, meaning they could not return after traveling to Canada or Mexico for matches. \n\nThe letter criticises the gap between sports’ promise of unity and the reality of travel restrictions. It stresses that a diverse media presence is essential for portraying the spirit of the event, especially in a nation where press freedom matters. \n\nFIFA is asked to expedite visa approvals.The group warned that delays could cause reporters to miss flights and incur extra costs, leaving them out of the tournament’s coverage. \n\nThe 48‑team World Cup kicks off Thursday and ends July 19, with games in the U. S. , Mexico and Canada. Iran is playing despite ongoing tensions with the United States, while African squads such as Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia are also in the mix. \n\nTeams like Ivory Coast and Tunisia need multi‑entry visas because they play both in the U. S. and abroad, making timely entry crucial. \n\nThe U. S. State Department has not yet responded to inquiries about the visa situation as of Saturday morning. \n\n