The Trump administration denied entry to Somalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan ahead of the World Cup opening match in Mexico City, according to reports from the Independent on Wednesday.
US officials labeled Artan, who was named Africa's referee of the year in 2025, a national security threat despite him holding a valid visa.
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The administration claimed his exclusion stems from suspected ties to individuals linked to terror organizations.
FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer officiate at the tournament.
The visa denial has sparked criticism regarding FIFA's handling of the situation and its adherence to organizational rules.
Chief football writer Miguel Delaney highlighted that the governing body faces significant scrutiny over its response to the host nation's intervention.
Meanwhile, the England national team concluded tournament preparations in Florida amid fitness concerns for winger Bukayo Saka.
Manager Thomas Tuchel expressed caution regarding Saka's persistent Achilles injury, which forced the player to manage his workload and miss recent training sessions after a demanding domestic season with Arsenal.
The tournament setup also saw Scotland captain Andy Robertson share a commemorative message from the widow of his late former teammate Diogo Jota.
FIFA published the letter written by Rute Cardoso as Scotland prepares for its first World Cup appearance since November qualification.
"Diogo often spoke of you.
Of the friendship you built, the battles you fought together, the challenges, the laughter, the conversations about football...
and about dreams," wrote Rute Cardoso, the mother of Jota's three children.
