League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Playoffs

Palestinian Football Association head awaits US visa at World Cup

3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 11:35 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Palestinian Football Association head awaits US visa at World Cup

Summary

Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, is currently in Mexico City awaiting a visa to enter the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although the Palestinian team did not qualify, FIFA typically invites heads of football associations to promote global unity. Rajoub expressed frustration over the US visa denials affecting delegates from various countries attending the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted the organization is unable to alter US immigration decisions, which have included recent restrictions on Palestinian passport holders. Rajoub has also called out Israel for allowing teams from settlements in the West Bank to participate in Israel’s national league.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Rajoub is in Mexico City waiting for a US visa.
•The Palestinian team did not qualify for the World Cup.
•FIFA invites heads of football associations to the event.
•Recent US restrictions affect Palestinian passport holders.
•Rajoub has criticized Israeli practices in football.

Latest Updates

11:35 AMThe Guardian Sport — Palestinian football chief says US denied him visa to attend World Cup
11:25 AMYahoo Sports — Palestinian football chief says he has not been granted US visa for World Cup
10:15 AMYahoo Sports — Head of Palestinian soccer not granted US visa to attend World Cup

What they're saying

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Jibril Rajoub attended opening match in Mexico but becomes latest football official hit by US visa issues, he says The head of the Palestinian Football Association has said he is unable to travel to the United States with other federation heads attending the 2026 Fifa World Cup because he has not been issued a visa. Jibril Rajoub went to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City on Thursday. But he is among several people accredited to attend the World Cup who have been denied visas or have yet to receive them from the United States. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Associated Press in Ramallah

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The head of the Palestinian Football Association is waiting in Mexico City for permission to enter the United States with other federation heads attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jibril Rajoub went to the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday. The Palestinian team did not qualify for the World Cup, but FIFA typically invites the heads of football associations from around the world to the event every four years, which it frames as a celebration of global unity.
— Yahoo Sportsby SAM METZ