VISA CRISIS THREATENS 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP COVERAGE AS AIPS SOUNDS ALARM

By Lilian Chemutai

The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has raised concerns over visa delays and restrictions affecting journalists preparing to cover the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The organization warns that the situation could significantly disrupt global media coverage of the tournament if urgent action is not taken.

AIPS President Gianni Merlo has written to FIFA media officials, highlighting growing challenges faced by accredited journalists seeking travel documentation. According to AIPS, some reporters, including several from Africa, have been denied visas, while others have been issued single-entry permits that could limit their movement across the three host nations.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will require journalists to travel freely between the United States, Canada, and Mexico to follow teams throughout the tournament. However, AIPS warns that single-entry visas may prevent journalists from re-entering the United States after covering matches in Canada or Mexico.

“There are many cases: Iranian colleagues, African colleagues, some of whom have been given single entries, so if their team goes to play in Canada or Mexico and they follow it, they can no longer return to the States,” Merlo said. “The cases are countless and, I repeat, unacceptable.”

He also noted that visa delays are already causing financial losses for journalists who booked travel arrangements well in advance.

“We are already significantly behind schedule, and many colleagues have already lost the opportunity to use plane tickets booked on time,” Merlo added.

Merlo stressed that FIFA must ensure full media access to guarantee comprehensive global coverage of the World Cup, which is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

He urged FIFA to engage relevant authorities and work swiftly to resolve the visa challenges before the tournament begins.

The issue has sparked broader concerns about press freedom, cross-border mobility, and logistical preparedness for international media covering the world's biggest football event.

So far, FIFA has not publicly responded to the concerns raised by AIPS, leaving uncertainty over how the matter will be addressed ahead of the tournament.