Even before the first whistle of the 2026 World Cup, scandals have already begun to surface. Long before reaching the pitches, we are currently stuck at airport gates and bogged down in visa complications, where the arbitrary measures and blatant violations practised by US immigration authorities reveal a narrow, security-obsessed mindset. These hostile actions completely contradict the very spirit of a global sporting tournament and the values of hospitality and passion that are supposed to unite the peoples of the world.

The latest and most embarrassing example is the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, recognised as one of the finest officials in Africa. FIFA selected him to participate in the World Cup, making him the first Somali referee in the tournament’s history.

The latest and most embarrassing example is the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, recognised as one of the finest officials in Africa. FIFA selected him to participate in the World Cup, making him the first Somali referee in the tournament’s history.

Yet, despite holding a valid visa and a diplomatic passport, US immigration authorities denied him entry and turned him back at Miami........

© Middle East Monitor