US visa rules block Iraqi World Cup fans

Iraqi football fans are celebrating their country's first FIFA World Cup qualification in over 40 years, but many face disappointment due to restrictive US visa rules. The United States, as a co-host of the 2026 tournament, has visa policies that are preventing some Iraqi supporters from traveling to attend matches. This has sparked frustration among fans who hoped to witness the historic event in person. The issue highlights broader challenges in US-Iraq relations and visa accessibility.