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US Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin said he 'danced a happy dance' after Iran's elimination from the World Cup. Iran faced travel restrictions and visa issues, with their coach calling the team the 'most oppressed' at the tournament amid US-Iran tensions.
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has questioned why some Senegal supporters cannot travel to the 2026 World Cup in the US, saying every team should be able to bring their fans.
Four members of Iran's World Cup delegation have won appeals against US visa rejections, but 11 remain barred. The team has moved its base to Mexico amid tensions. The US has revoked Iran's group-stage ticket allocation, citing security concerns.
Scotland supporter Kenny Smith is racing to reach Boston after his US visa was approved on the eve of the World Cup. He missed a connecting flight in Dublin but is due to arrive hours before kick-off against Haiti.
Michael Wright had his US visa revoked while at airport security, an hour before his flight to the World Cup. The visa status changed to 'travel not authorised' without explanation.
Recent visa problems for Iran's World Cup team underscore tensions between FIFA and the Trump administration, despite public displays of cooperation. The U.S. has provided minimal assistance to FIFA, raising concerns about freedom of movement guarantees for tournaments.
Somalian referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States ahead of the World Cup, sparking concerns about visa issues for staff and supporters. The incident raises questions about FIFA's control over its own tournament.
