‘I don’t regret anything’: FIFA boss defends USA as World Cup hosts
In Mexico City
2026 FIFA World Cup Sport News
Somali referee banned by US to officiate UEFA Super Cup
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, was on Thursday named to officiate UEFA’s Super Cup, European football’s governing body announced.
LIVE | World Cup carnival descends on Mexico ahead of Bafana opener
Kick-off is at 21:00 (SA time)
FIFA World Cup | Bafana brace for ‘85 000 Mexicans shouting and singing’ at Azteca stadium
On-the-ground coverage from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing you the latest breaking news, live match reports, press conferences, exclusive interviews, fan reaction and behind-the-scenes stories from across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
World Cup nears kickoff after pre-tournament turbulence
MEXICO CITY: The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can rise above anger at soaring ticket prices, an uneasy political climate in Donald Trump’s America and the shadow of conflict in the Middle East.
Somalia backs referee Omar Artan’s ‘integrity’ after US denies him entry
MOGADISHU: Somalia has defended its referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals. In a statement on Tuesday, Somalia’s Ministry of Sports expressed “deep regret” over Artan’s denial of entry, saying that despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and world football governing body FIFA, it was “not possible to achieve a positive outcome.” Artan, an award-winning referee, was barred from entering the US on Saturday after arriving at Miami International Airport. A spokesperson for the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said he was denied entry following a routine inspection. He was among the 52 referees announced by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Somali reaffirmed “its unwavering support” for Artan adding it “has full confidence in his integrity, professionalism, and continued contribution to the advancement of football both in Somalia and internationally.” “Artan represents the very best of Somali talent,” reads the statement. FIFA confirmed to AFP that Artan will not be participating in the World Cup set to start on Thursday. “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” a FIFA spokesperson said. A source at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) told AFP on Tuesday that the continental body could not intervene, but added: “We certainly feel sorry for Artan.” Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.
68 Tahun Rekor Gol Just Fontaine di Piala Dunia: Siapa Bisa Pecahkan?
Sudah 68 tahun berlalu sejak legenda Prancis, Just Fontaine, mengukir salah satu rekor paling fenomenal dalam sejarah Piala Dunia. Hingga kini, belum ada pemain yang mampu melampaui torehan 13 gol Fontaine dalam satu edisi turnamen.