World
U.S. World Cup chief defends visa ban on Somali referee, Iranians
As the World Cup draws closer, the White House official overseeing US preparations has defended a decision that has already stirred controversy:…
Topic
cup
Somalia
Somali referee Omar Artan returns home after U.S. entry denial ends World Cup role
Wednesday June 10, 2026 Istanbul (AX) — What was meant to be a landmark moment for Somali football ended in disappointment on…
North-Africa
U.S. confirms denial of entry to Somali referee for World Cup
By Ali HarbTuesday June 9, 2026 Referee Omar Artan signals a penalty during the CAF Champions League final in in Rabat, Morocco,…
Somalia
Somali referee denied U.S. entry, will miss World Cup debut
Tuesday June 9, 2026 U.S. authorities over the weekend barred Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from entering the country, derailing plans…
Somalia
Somali Referee Omar Artan Says U.S. Entry Denial Shattered His World Cup Dream
MOGADISHU, June 9 — Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has broken his silence after being refused entry to the United States,…
Sports
New York stabbing, Kansas City shooting heighten World Cup security concerns
Tuesday June 9, 2026 Violence hit two World Cup host cities just days before kickoff, leaving six people stabbed in New York…
North-Africa
Somali-heritage players to feature at World Cup 2026 as U.S. blocks Somali referee
Tuesday June 9, 2026 For Somalia, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be a mixed stage of pride and frustration: while the…
Somalia
Somali Referee Denied Entry to U.S. for World Cup Participation
In a significant setback for the sport, Somali referee Omar Artan, poised to become the first official from Somalia to officiate at…
Somalia
Somalia says efforts failed to reverse U.S. entry ban on World Cup referee Omar Artan
MOGADISHU – Somalia said on Friday it had been unable to secure the reversal of a U.S. decision that blocked Somali international…
North-Africa
Somali-heritage players to feature at World Cup 2026 as U.S. denies Somali referee entry
Tuesday June 9, 2026 Somalia will not take the field at the FIFA World Cup, but Somali football will still be represented…
Somalia
US Denies Entry to Somali Referee Selected for 2026 FIFA World Cup
WASHINGTON – The United States has blocked entry to a high-profile Somali referee chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, intensifying concerns…
