Overview
- France completed final preparations with a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland on 8 June when Michael Olise scored a hat‑trick, leaving Didier Deschamps to lead the side into what he says will be his last World Cup.
- FIFA confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States and will not officiate in the tournament after U.S. border authorities refused him admission.
- Around fifteen members of Iran’s delegation, including federation president Mehdi Taj, were refused long‑term U.S. visas, forcing Team Melli to base in Tijuana and plan same‑day travel for matches in U.S. cities.
- Video and reports show players from Senegal and other teams subjected to intensive on‑tarmac searches and checks on arrival, creating extra delays, security concerns and unequal access for staff and supporters.
- With the World Cup starting 11 June, these entry and security problems are likely to shape logistics, fan access and diplomatic exchanges during the tournament and warrant close monitoring by FIFA and host authorities.