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.

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