FIFA World Cup: Five biggest controversies of the 2026 tournament

Author: Al Jazeera StaffPublished on: July 13, 2026Country: United States

Sports

FIFA World Cup: Five biggest controversies of the 2026 tournament

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the 2025 CAF Referee of the Year, was denied entry to the US for the 2026 World Cup despite a valid visa. The Trump administration cited unsubstantiated links to terror suspects. FIFA President Gianni Infantino advised people to 'chill and relax' amid criticism of US immigration policies described as racist. Artan will receive full pay and referee the UEFA Super Cup.

Stay informed with NewsBoulevard

Get the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox

Related News

NewsBoulevard

SportsWorld

Emmanuel Okogba•1d ago

SEGUN ODEGBAMI: Who wins - Spain or Argentina?

The 2026 World Cup final pits Spain, the European champions, against Argentina, the defending world champions and South American champions. After 104 matches played by 48 countries, these two teams have reached the final showdown. The author consults his mathematical oracle to place a bet on the winner.

2026 FIFA World Cup final: History asking for a signature

SportsArgentina

Douglas Baye-Osagie•1d ago

2026 FIFA World Cup final: History asking for a signature

Argentina faces the European champions in the 2026 World Cup final. At 39, Lionel Messi aims for a second consecutive World Cup title, a first in the modern era. Argentina survived four tough matches against Cape Verde, Egypt, Switzerland, and England. Messi was decisive against England with two assists, enabling his team to win 2-1.

Despite the Balogun scandal, FIFA chooses silence: more than 200 countries behind Infantino

SportsWorld / InternationalSwitzerland

Saturnin Bossa•1d ago

Despite the Balogun scandal, FIFA chooses silence: more than 200 countries behind Infantino

Over 200 FIFA member associations have confirmed their support for Gianni Infantino for a fourth term, despite the controversy over the lifting of the suspension of US striker Balogun following lobbying by Donald Trump. Infantino remained silent when questioned by journalists. Germany is among the few European federations not yet formalizing support. Infantino, the sole declared candidate, is expected to be re-elected overwhelmingly thanks to support from African and Asian confederations.

Stay Updated with NewsBoulevard

Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news summaries delivered to your inbox

Learn more