World Cup Controversy

World Cup Controversy Erupts

World Cup Controversy Erupts as Top Referee Denied U.S. Entry

Just days before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, one of the tournament’s most surprising off-field stories has emerged.

MSN on MSN · 14h

Somali referee denied entry to FIFA World Cup 2026: Controversy arises

· 4h

Somali World Cup referee denied entry by US border patrol

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Omar Artan returns home after being denied entry to United States ahead of FIFA World Cup

Omar Artan was denied a chance to make his World Cup debut after being barred from entering the United States.

· 2h

‘Deeply disappointed’: Award-winning referee denied US entry as ‘biggest dream’ crushed – WC Daily

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FIFA World Cup wrap: Somalia ref axed from officiating matches after being denied entry to USA

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World Cup 2026: Referee from Somalia denied entry to the US was about to make history

Border officials subjected Artan to questioning regarding his reasons for traveling to the U.S., as well as probing into Somali politics and the al-Shabab militant group, which is engaged in an insurg...

· 4h

White House World Cup chief defends visa ban for Somali referee, Iranians

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Somali referee speaks out after the U.S. denied him entry to work World Cup

The 2026 World Cup ticket saga, explained from start to (almost) finish

The prelude to the 2026 World Cup has been marred by ticketing controversy and angst. Here's a comprehensive guide to the saga

Politics, tickets and heat - the controversies that threaten to overshadow the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is the biggest yet, held across three countries in North America, but it has already made headlines for all the wrong reasons before kicking off

33m

From Trump to Messi, Iran to ICE, politics and sport collide at the biggest World Cup in history

The wait is over for the biggest World Cup ever with 48 teams, 104 matches, three host nations and a slew of questions and controversies swirling around the highly scrutinzed event that will last for nearly six weeks.

AFP on MSN

'It doesn't matter': US star Reyna looks past World Cup scandal

US soccer star Gio Reyna on Tuesday said he has put the controversy of the 2022 World Cup behind him and is solely focussed on helping the co-hosts succeed this summer. "I think last World Cup, maybe we're all just a little bit young.

YEN.com.gh on MSN

2026 World Cup: FIFA issues statement on Omar Artan-US visa controversy

Somali referee Omar Artan's World Cup dream is shattered after being denied US entry. FIFA explains the controversy amid widespread debate across football circles.

Tyla

Japan's World Cup team renews controversy after allowing Kaishū Sano to compete despite rape case

Kaishū Sano was arrested in Tokyo alongside two other men in 2024 after a woman claimed the trio had sexually assaulted her

Business Day

World Cup 2026: Iran fans lose ticket allocation days before kick-off

More controversy has emerged just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after tickets allocated to Iranian supporters revoked.

FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Ticket Sales Have Sparked Major Controversy In Tournament's Build-Up?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will start this week, but the tournament has been embroiled in controversy. For the last year, there has been major outrage over the ticket sales, which have only grown as the tournament comes closer.

‘Dangerous’ Timothy Weah sparks controversy in USMNT’s final World Cup warm-up vs Germany

Timothy Weah sparked controversy in the United States’ 2-1 defeat to Germany just days before the 2026 World Cup. The USMNT hosted Germany at Chicago’s Soldier Field in their final warm-up match before the tournament starts next week.