JAKARTA - The United States government denies that a referee from Somalia was denied entry into the US to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup because of President Donald Trump's personal sentiments towards the country.
"The president, and this can be seen from the various policies he has taken to open access for people from various backgrounds, various religious backgrounds, and various racial backgrounds, strongly supports this kind of thing," said Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House Task Force for the FIFA World Cup, reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Wednesday, June 10.
"He is very, very happy to welcome the world, whether from Africa, Europe or South America, to come to this incredible World Cup," he added.
However, Giuliani stressed that the US government would not allow "bad people" to enter the US under any circumstances.
"Trump is committed not only to American citizens, but also to all international visitors who are present for the World Cup or for the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, to ensure that they are safe and happy while in the US," the official said.
In January, Trump said his administration would revoke the citizenship of US citizens who had been granted to immigrants naturalized from Somalia or other countries if they were found guilty of defrauding Americans.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first tournament to be contested by 48 national teams. The tournament will also be the first to be held in three countries at once, namely the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
In the United States, matches will be held in 11 host cities. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
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