Denied Entry: Journalists Blocked From Covering the World Cup

Journalists from Iran and Africa Blocked at U.S. Borders, Threatening World Cup Coverage

A leading sports press group has reported that journalists from Iran and Africa are being denied entry at U.S. borders, preventing them from covering the World Cup. The association wrote to FIFA officials on Friday urging immediate action after many accredited reporters were denied visas.

Key points from the letter:

• Visa Restrictions: Several journalists received single‑entry permits, meaning they cannot return after traveling to Canada or Mexico for matches.
• Impact on Coverage: The 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.
• Urgent Request: FIFA is asked to expedite visa approvals. Delays could cause reporters to miss flights, incur extra costs, and ultimately be excluded from tournament coverage.
• Tournament Context: The 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.
• Multi‑Entry Needs: Teams like Ivory Coast and Tunisia require multi‑entry visas because they play both in the U.S. and abroad, making timely entry crucial.
• Current Status: The U.S. State Department has not yet responded to inquiries about the visa situation as of Saturday morning.

The press group’s appeal underscores the importance of allowing journalists to cover the tournament freely, ensuring comprehensive and diverse reporting across all participating nations.