Responding to worries about US travel restrictions impacting World Cup participants, the EU Commissioner for sport told Euronews’ main morning show Europe Today that it is the responsibility of the host countries to determine "who is allowed entry", while emphasizing that "football must remain accessible to all."
«Determinations regarding access lie with the host countries,» European Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef said during Euronews’ flagship morning programme, Europe Today, addressing concerns about US travel restrictions affecting supporters and team officials before the World Cup, which has already caused incidents at border controls.
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The event starts Thursday in Mexico, one of three hosting nations alongside the United States and Canada, under the FIFA umbrella, which aims to grow its presence in the lucrative North American market. Its president, Gianni Infantino, has formed a close relationship with US President Trump, awarding him the «FIFA Peace Prize: Football Unites the World», a distinction created exclusively since the US became a host under Trump’s presidency.
Prior to the tournament’s start, controversy arose as a Somali referee, Omar Artan, was detained at Miami International Airport and denied entry into the US due to what officials described as «vetting concerns». Consequently, he will be unable to officiate his scheduled matches or enter the country.
The Sports Commissioner noted that while security protocols are the host’s prerogative, the event should ultimately inspire «joy» globally.
«Major sports events almost always provoke disagreements. However, the focus should remain on the sport itself, football, and the happiness it delivers,» Micallef remarked.
He added, «Football must be open to everyone.» When questioned about boycott calls, he stated that disrupting matches «achieves nothing. Fans should not be denied the chance to support their teams.»
This World Cup will be remembered «for the excitement football generates, the enthusiasm and commitment observed on the field, and for millions of supporters worldwide who, amid challenging times, unite in public spaces, bars, and cafés to cheer for their teams.»
The 2026 tournament will be the largest ever, featuring a record 48 national teams and 104 games. Bookmakers consider France and Spain the leading contenders for the title.
Iran is also among the participants, even as tensions in the Middle East rose after US strikes on Iranian targets hours before the opening. As part of operation Epic Fury, the US has increased pressure on Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian authorities had previously considered withdrawing, and reports indicated that the Trump administration discussed the possibility of Italy—who failed to qualify—replacing Iran.
The Commissioner expressed disagreement with that plan. Rome also opposed it.
«It is positive they will participate. They earned their qualification fairly and deserve to compete,» Micallef stated.
Iran is set to play all three group-stage games in the US but reportedly is based in Mexico due to visa and security issues. Should both Iran and the US advance, they might face each other during the knockout rounds.
«Football’s essence is uniting people and nations,» Micallef added.
He also shared his forecast for the tournament winner: «Either Spain or France, though I believe Spain will ultimately prevail.»