ALBAWABA - A Qatari blogger recently took to social media to complain about being detained for 30 hours before being banned from entering the U.S. during the 2026 World Cup.
Hamad bin Mubarak Al-Fadalah posted a reel on Instagram claiming that he was detained for 30 hours without his phone and luggage. Hamad added that he was forced to fly back to Doha, Qatar, the next day after missing the same-day flight, stating further that he couldn't change his clothes because he didn't have access to his luggage.
Despite being through a difficult journey, Hamad appeared satisfied, assuring viewers that he's in good health and on his way back to Doha, Qatar. He disclosed in another video that he was detained for 30 hours and banned because his passport contained tourist visas that are not welcome in the U.S.
World Cup 2026: Qatari blogger detained for 30 hours then banned from US entry
The Instagram reel sparked debate among the platform's users, with many wishing Hamad a safe journey back to Doha. Others speculated on the reason the Qatari blogger was denied entry.
A social media user wrote, "He must have visited one of the countries restricted by the US, didn't know how to answer their questions, and they turned him back."
In response, another took to Hamad's defense and wrote, "Don't defend the Americans. The decision is in the hands of an ordinary officer—if he doesn't like the color of your jacket, he’ll turn you back."
The U.S. is not a stranger to similar incidents that occurred during the 2026 World Cup:
- Somali football referee Omar Artan, who is named as the best referee in Africa, was denied entry into the country.
- Iraqi footballer Ayman Hussein was held and questioned for seven hours at Chicago's O'Hare airport before he was allowed to enter.
- Iraq's national team photographer Tala Salah was held and questioned for 10 hours before being denied entry into the country.
- The Iranian football team is forced to leave the U.S. immediately after playing their game despite being granted visas.
