The head of the White House Task Force for the World Cup defended the decision not to grant visas to a Somali referee and some support staff for the Iranian team.
Andrew Giuliani stated that no players or coaches have been denied entry, but some officials have been denied for 'good reason.'
Giuliani cited the need to balance security and allowing 'bad actors' to enter the country under the guise of the World Cup.
The decision to bar Somali referee Omar Artan from entering the country was also defended, with Giuliani stating it was for a 'very good reason.'
Artan was named men's referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football in 2025 and would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup.
The Iranian football federation had to switch their training base to Mexico due to the ongoing military conflict with the United States.
Giuliani stated that all Iranian coaching staff is coming in, but some Iranian officials are not due to 'good reason.'
The White House envoy also stated there are currently 'no credible threats' to the tournament, but the intelligence community will continue to monitor the situation.
