Gary Neville prompted a mixed reaction from viewers during ITV’s coverage of the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony after raising concerns about visa issues and politics surrounding the tournament just minutes into the broadcaster’s coverage.
Speaking ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, the former Manchester United defender argued that major controversies have become a familiar part of the build-up to World Cups.
Neville immediately talked about the row involving Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the country. He said: “It’s ridiculous that he can’t come into the country. He’s been picked by FIFA and has been lauded as one of the very best.
“Behind me is the Statue of Liberty. I don’t think he’ll be feeling liberty right now.
Gary Neville insisted that World Cup hosts must “give up their country” while the tournament is on
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ITV
“When you host a World Cup, you’re effectively giving your country over to football for four to six weeks. We need tolerance and people who can accept that people can come from a different part of the world. That’s not happened here.”
“We’ve seen this film before. In the build-up to World Cups we’re used to the controversies and politics. We’ve seen it in Russia, Qatar and now in America.
“We’ve seen the referee issues with the visas. We have to get referees in, they’re FIFA officials, I don’t know why FIFA haven’t been stronger on that issue. Fans have struggled to get into the country.
“The Iranian team – it looks like common sense has prevailed with them and they’re able to travel, even though they’re not in this country, they’re in Mexico.
“There are always things that litter a pre-tournament build-up. But once the football starts, it takes over.”
Neville’s comments referenced concerns that emerged in the weeks leading up to the tournament, including reports that a Somali referee was denied entry to the United States, along with members of Iran’s backroom staff facing travel difficulties.
The issues have fuelled debate over immigration policies and whether host nations should make special arrangements to ensure all FIFA participants can attend the competition without disruption.
However, not all viewers welcomed the discussion.
On social media, some fans expressed frustration that political issues were being discussed so prominently at the start of the broadcast, arguing that attention should have been focused on the football and the opening ceremony.
Others defended Neville’s intervention, insisting that travel restrictions, visa disputes and organisational concerns are legitimate topics given their potential impact on teams, officials and supporters attending the tournament.
“I’m hoping that the football does supersede it all” ⚽@IanWright0, @GNev2 and Roy Keane have their say on the tumultuous build-up to the 2026 World Cup pic.twitter.com/l3stquoWSJ
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 11, 2026
The exchange reflects a familiar pattern seen at recent World Cups. Both Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022 were overshadowed by significant off-field debates before a ball was kicked, yet attention largely shifted to events on the pitch once the action began.
With the opening ceremony under way and the first match of the tournament about to begin, Neville suggested football will ultimately become the dominant story once the competition gets into full swing.