A long-awaited link between the US and Canada has hit an unexpected pause: the two countries have agreed to delay the opening of the new $4.7 billion bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, just days before it was due to welcome traffic, after US President Donald Trump earlier this year threatened to block the crossing. Invitations reviewed by Reuters showed a formal ribbon-cutting for the Gordie Howe International Bridge had been scheduled for today. "Canada and the United States have agreed to delay the opening of the…

Friday June 12, 2026 Denied entry to the United States, FIFA World Cup referee Omar Artan returned to Somalia to a hero’s welcome, underscoring how quickly a sports setback can turn into a moment of national pride. In the meantime, B.C. Premier David Eby and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow have both said they would like to see Artan officiate matches in Canada.

Thursday June 11, 2026 Mogadishu (AX) — Somalia’s federal government on Wednesday voiced strong regret after the United States refused entry to Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been set to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said Somali officials had worked through diplomatic channels with U.S. authorities to secure Artan’s travel, but those efforts failed to yield a positive result. “The Government of Somalia remains…

By: Joshua FreemanThursday June 11, 2026 Mayor Olivia Chow speaks at an event on May 19, 2026. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says a Somali referee barred from entering the United States for World Cup duties would be welcome in Toronto instead, adding a new Canadian voice to a growing debate over the decision. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Monday that a Somali national scheduled to referee at the World Cup was found inadmissible for entry into the U.S. “During processing, the traveller underwent additional inspection, a…

MOGADISHU, Somalia – FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Friday described the reported denial of entry to the United States for Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan as “unfortunate,” while making clear that football’s world governing body has no power to override decisions made by governments or security agencies. At a press conference, Infantino said FIFA was handling the matter through dialogue and diplomatic channels after reports surfaced that the internationally recognised Somali referee had been blocked from entering…

By: Joshua FreemanThursday June 11, 2026 Mayor Olivia Chow appears at an event on May 19, 2026. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow says a Somali referee blocked from entering the United States for World Cup duties would be welcome to officiate in Toronto instead. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Monday that a Somali national who had planned to referee at the World Cup was found inadmissible to the U.S. “During processing, the traveller underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers…

Thursday June 11, 2026 World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Tuesday threw his support behind Somali referee Omar Artan after reports emerged that he had been refused entry to the United States ahead of the FIFA World Cup. “Omar Artan didn’t just make the FIFA World Cup, he made history as the first Somali referee to get there, and as Africa’s best. That milestone stands no matter what,” Tedros said on X. He said Artan had reached the pinnacle of his profession and, in the process,…

Diyar GuldoganThursday June 11, 2026 FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Wednesday brushed aside mounting criticism over travel and visa disputes tied to the 2026 World Cup, urging detractors to “chill, relax” while defending the governing body’s response to the denial of entry to a Somali referee and other restrictions affecting teams, journalists and fans. Addressing reporters in Mexico before the tournament, Infantino said the US decision to deny entry to Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was…

By Matthew Mpoke BiggReporting from Nairobi, KenyaWednesday June 10, 2026 Khaled Desouki/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images A Somali referee said Tuesday that the most important dream of his professional career had been cut short after U.S. authorities refused him entry to the country, barring him from the World Cup in North America. Omar Abdulkadir Artan was among 52 referees chosen for the tournament this summer. He was one of seven officials from Africa selected and would have become the first Somali referee to work a…

By  OMAR FARUKWednesday June 10, 2026 A scene of celebration greeted Somalia’s Omar Artan on Wednesday when the World Cup referee, blocked from entering the United States, landed in Mogadishu to applause, cheers and Somali flags. Artan said he still intends to reach the next World Cup and urged young Somalis to stand tall and be proud of their nation. Artan had been poised to become the first referee from Somalia to work at a World Cup after earning a place on FIFA’s final tournament list. Already regarded as one of…