Key facts
- Palestinian soccer officials criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- 15 Iranian soccer federation members were denied U.S. visas.
- Mahdi Mohammad Nabi cited a lack of coordination for the visa denials.
- The visa denials are disrupting the Iranian soccer team's preparation.
- Pope Leo announced support for the U.S. soccer team in the World Cup.
- Pope Leo is the first U.S. leader of the Catholic Church.
- Pope Leo is from the Chicago suburbs.
- Pope Leo made his statement en route to Madrid.
- An author recounted missing their first World Cup match due to unforeseen circumstances.
The upcoming World Cup is entangled with geopolitical and personal narratives, impacting team preparations and drawing unexpected endorsements. Palestinian soccer officials have voiced criticism towards FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of failing to secure U.S. visas for 15 members of the Iranian soccer federation. Mahdi Mohammad Nabi, the Iranian team's World Cup supervisor, cited a "lack of coordination" as the reason for the visa denials, which he stated are disrupting the team's preparation for the tournament.