“Mexico gives them mariachis, the U.S. gives them dogs”: the controversy that erupted before the tournament even begins

The same tournament, two countries, two very different worlds. 🌍 While Spain and South Korea arrived in Mexico to mariachis and gifts, Senegal’s national team was inspected before entering the U.S. airport and Uzbekistan went through detector dogs when getting off the bus.

The most talked-about case is that of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan — chosen by FIFA as the best African referee — who was blocked at the U.S. border and will not be able to take part in the World Cup. FIFA admitted that it cannot intervene in immigration decisions. 😤

Is it acceptable for the host country of the biggest sporting event on the planet to apply its immigration filters without exceptions? Or should football be neutral territory?

Welcome for the Spain national team:

💚🤍❤️ ¡Gracias por un recibimiento tan especial, amigos!#VamosEspaña | #CopaMundialFIFA pic.twitter.com/KomooUTudS

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) June 8, 2026

Welcome for the Senegal national team:

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