“Decisions on who has access are for the host countries to make,” European Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef told Euronews’ flagship morning program, Europe Todayresponding to concerns about US travel restrictions affecting both fans and team officials ahead of the World Cup which has already resulted in border control incidents.
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The tournament kicks off Thursday in Mexico, one of the three host nations alongside the United States and Canada, under the umbrella of FIFA, which looks to expand its reach into the lucrative North American market. Its chief, Gianni Infatino, has built a close relationship with US President Trump, awarding him the “Fifa Peace Prize: Football Unites the World”, a title that did not exist prior to the US participation as host country under Trump.
Ahead of the opening game, the World Cup has already become embroiled in controversy after a Somali referee, Omar Atan, was held at the Miami International Airport this week and barred from entering the US over what authorities described as “vetting concerns”. He will not be able to complete his games or enter the country.
The Commissioner responsible for sport said it is for the host country to set its security parameters but added that the games should bring “joy” to the world.
“You always have controversies around major sporting events. But my hope is that we focus on sport, football and the joy it brings,” Micallef said.
“Football should be accessible to everyone,” he said. Asked about critics calling for a boycott, he said sabotaging games “will not solve anything. We should not deprive fans of the opportunity to follow their favorite teams.”
The tournament will be remembered “for the excitement of football, for the joy and passion it brings on the pitch, but also for the millions of fans around the world who, in difficult times, come together in squares, bars and cafés to support their teams”.
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in the competition’s history, featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches. Bookmakers see France and Spain as the tournament favorites.
Iran will also be among the participating nations, as tensions in the Middle East escalated following US strikes against Iranian targets hours ahead of the opening. As part of operation Epic Fury, Washington is piling pressure on Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials had previously floated the possibility of withdrawing from the tournament, while reports suggested the Trump administration had discussed the prospect of Italy — which failed to qualify — taking Iran’s place.
The Commissioner disagreed with the plan. Rome also rejected it.
“It’s good that they can participate in the tournament. They qualified on merit and should be there,” Micallef said.
Iran will play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States but has reportedly based itself in Mexico because of visa and security concerns. Should both Iran and the United States progress, the two sides could meet in the knockout stages.
“Football is about bringing people and countries together,” Micallef said.
The Commissioner also shared his prediction for the tournament winner.
“Either Spain or France, but I think Spain will win it in the end.”