rki.news | Sources: Social Media, Bloomberg
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani said football “would not exist without immigrants” ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026, set to begin on Thursday.
In a post on X, Mamdani said immigrants play and coach the sport, work in stadiums, fill stands, and make global events like the World Cup possible.
He noted that six players on the US men’s national team are immigrants, highlighting diversity within the squad.
His remarks came after FIFA confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States over the weekend and will no longer participate in the tournament.
Bloomberg reported that the US administration has considered expanding Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in New York City as part of a wider immigration crackdown.
Mamdani said authorities would not be allowed to “sow fear in communities” and pledged support for immigrant residents as global attention turns to the city hosting the tournament.