Ian Wright has accused the United States of failing to understand what the World Cup is really about, as visa and border controversies continue to overshadow the start of the tournament.
The former Arsenal striker spoke out after another incident involving entry restrictions, with most matches in the 2026 World Cup being held across the US.
Wright’s frustration was not aimed at American fans, but at the political issues now tied to football’s biggest event.
Ian Wright says the USA is missing the World Cup spirit
Speaking with Gary Neville, Wright said the tournament had lost touch with what football is meant to represent.
“The thing is, you know, I’ve spoken about the spirit of football. And all the things that come with the spirit of the game. I think here, they have no idea or clue about the spirit of the game. They have no idea what’s happening and what’s happened until this point. You look closer, and people are saying keep politics out of sport. What are they saying now? This is the worst it’s been. I’m praying and hoping the football supersedes it all. That’s what we need.”
Wright’s comments followed news that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan had been denied entry to the US despite being selected for the tournament. FIFA later confirmed he would not train or officiate at the World Cup.
Ian Wright’s anger backed by World Cup concerns
Artan’s case is not the only one. Reports have also highlighted players being delayed or detained, fans being turned away despite having tickets, and Iranian officials facing visa issues ahead of group-stage matches in the US.
FIFA’s response has not helped. The organization said it is not involved in host-country immigration and cannot control visa decisions. But critics say FIFA is too close to Donald Trump’s government and is not pushing hard enough for its own officials.
Gianni Infantino has defended the US, telling critics to “chill, relax” and saying security has to come first.
Two sides of the 2026 FIFA World Cup host story
It is not all negative. In Kansas, Lawrence and the University of Kansas have welcomed Algeria as a World Cup base-camp nation, with officials saying the team will be treated like short-term residents.
That is the side of football Wright wants to see more of: local communities, fans and teams coming together beyond politics.
But right now, the headlines are dominated by border issues rather than stories of inclusion. Wright’s message was clear. Let football take center stage again.
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