With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has urged FIFA to intervene urgently over visa complications that could prevent accredited journalists from covering the tournament.
The global body representing sports journalists has expressed serious concern over mounting visa challenges facing several media professionals, warning that the situation could significantly affect coverage of the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In a strongly worded letter sent on Friday, 5 June, AIPS President Mr Gianni Merlo appealed to FIFA’s Director of Media Relations, Bryan Swanson, and Head of Media Operations and Services, Jochen Steinhoff, to take immediate action.
According to Merlo, numerous accredited journalists, particularly from Iran and several African nations, have encountered difficulties in obtaining the appropriate visas. While some reporters have been granted entry permits, they have only received single-entry visas, creating major logistical concerns for those expected to follow their national teams across the three host countries.
Under the current arrangements, journalists travelling from the United States to cover matches in Canada or Mexico could be denied re-entry into the US for subsequent fixtures, effectively disrupting their World Cup assignments.
“The cases are countless and, I repeat, unacceptable,” Merlo wrote in his letter.
He further criticised the situation as contradictory to the values often promoted by international sport.
“Politicians frequently speak about sport’s ability to unite people and build bridges between nations. In this instance, however, we appear to be moving in the opposite direction,” he stated.
AIPS stressed that unrestricted media access is essential to the success and global image of the tournament. The organisation noted that several journalists have already incurred financial losses due to delayed visa approvals, including non-refundable travel bookings and additional accommodation costs.
“We believe it is essential that our colleagues are allowed to attend the event and carry out their professional duties,” Merlo added. “Their presence will be crucial in showcasing the spirit of sport and everything it represents. I hope FIFA will do everything within its power to secure the necessary visas because we are already significantly behind schedule.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off next week, with millions of fans around the globe eagerly anticipating the tournament. As the countdown continues, AIPS is awaiting FIFA’s response and hopes the governing body can work with US authorities to ensure that all accredited journalists are granted the access required to report on football’s biggest spectacle.
The visa concerns have added an unexpected layer of uncertainty ahead of what is expected to be the largest and most widely covered World Cup in history.
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