Rajoub travelled from the West Bank for the finals and is currently based in Mexico while his application remains unresolved. No reason for the delay, or timetable for a decision, has been provided.
The geography of the tournament makes the issue more significant. Mexico and the United States are both hosting matches, meaning a visa delay can affect an accredited official even when he has already reached the region and attended a fixture.
The update says Rajoub is not the only accredited attendee facing uncertainty. Several people connected with the tournament have reportedly been denied entry or are still waiting for US visas.
That turns the case into more than an individual administrative problem. For federation leaders, World Cup access involves official meetings, hospitality commitments and visibility around their national teams. A missing visa can therefore restrict participation without affecting a team’s place in the competition.
For Rajoub, the contrast is clear: he has been present for the tournament’s opening event but cannot yet continue to a US host city. His attendance remains dependent on a decision outside the football schedule.
The next development will be whether permission arrives before the World Cup’s US-based programme gathers pace. Until then, Rajoub’s stay in Mexico remains a visible reminder that access to football’s biggest stage can depend on the border between two neighbouring host nations.