US task force created to scrutinize World Cup visitors, players

CHICAGO: A task force has been created to provide heightened security and scrutiny of fans and players who enter the US for the FIFA World Cup.

Customs and Border Protection detained Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein at O’Hare International Airport for seven hours on Saturday, eventually allowing him to enter the US for an exhibition game.

But Iraqi photographer Talal Salah, who was questioned for 10 hours, was denied entry to cover his country’s national team.

“We coordinate efforts to provide a seamless and secure experience for all travelers and participants of the World Cup,” said Casey Durst, executive assistant commissioner of CBP’s operations support. 

“To achieve unified command and rapid response throughout the tournament, we established the CBP World Cup Task Force — a structure that coordinates security operations, reports activities, and deploys specialized capabilities across all FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities.”

Durst said CBP and the Department of Homeland Security are coordinating the task force with the State Department and the Department of Justice to review and approve visa applications from more than 6 million international visitors expected to come to the event.

“CBP is committed to ensuring safe and lawful travel for all visitors attending the FIFA World Cup 2026,” said Matthew Davies, executive director of admissibility and passenger programs at CBP’s Office of Field Operations. 

CBP officials said they have increased personnel to “enhance” X-ray operations for all goods and vendors that enter stadium areas, and created no fly-zones around the stadiums hosting games.

Security will protect intellectual property rights by looking out for counterfeit souvenirs and tickets.

However, Arab Americans