The president of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, has been denied entry visas to the United States and Canada ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted across those two countries and Mexico. Rajoub, a longstanding Palestinian political figure, was able to attend the tournament's opening match in Mexico City on June 13, where Mexico faced South Africa, but remains unable to enter the U.S. or Canada for other scheduled events.

Rajoub, who applied for his U.S. visa in Amman, Jordan, characterized the visa refusals as unjust. He confirmed to news agencies that he also failed to secure a Canadian visa. "Certain circles do not want us to criticize Israel," Rajoub stated, suggesting Israeli pressure influenced the visa decisions, though he did not provide supporting evidence. He plans to attend Tunisia’s match against Sweden in Monterrey, Mexico, before returning to the Palestinian territories.

The Palestinian Football Association has been a vocal critic of Israel's football governance involving clubs based in West Bank settlements, arguing that they should not compete under the Israeli Football Association’s umbrella. Earlier this year, Rajoub declined an invitation from FIFA President Gianni Infantino to take part in a group photo with an Israeli Football Association official during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. The Palestinian Football Association is also pursuing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport against FIFA's decision not to sanction the Israeli Football Association for including clubs from the occupied West Bank.

FIFA president Infantino acknowledged that several accredited individuals have encountered visa issues. While FIFA invites football federation heads from worldwide to the World Cup, which it promotes as a celebration of global unity, it has limited authority over national governments’ visa policies. “We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” Infantino said.

The United States government has not publicly commented specifically on Rajoub’s visa status. However, last year, U.S. authorities introduced new restrictions on Palestinian passport holders, especially those linked to the Palestinian Authority. The U.S. has previously revoked visas for high-profile Palestinian officials, including President Mahmoud Abbas, and reportedly denied visas to others attending international sports events.

Visa difficulties this World Cup are not isolated to the Palestinian delegation. Other individuals from countries such as Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Senegal, and Ivory Coast have also been denied U.S. entry despite valid accreditation or visas. This has raised questions about the impact of U.S. immigration policies on participants and attendees from various nations during the tournament. FIFA and host countries Canada and the U.S. have pledged to address and facilitate smooth access for all accredited visitors, but logistical and political challenges remain as the event progresses.