World Cup tickets for Iran fans revoked, says country's federation - ESPN
FIFA has revoked the ticket allocation for Iran fans at the team's three World Cup games in the United States, the national football federation said Tuesday.
Country Sport News
Landon Donovan recalls life-changing World Cup moment amid players' 'responsibility' of growing game in USA
Former U.S. men's national soccer team star Clint Dempsey, who serves as a Fox Sports analyst ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, discussed Team USA's roster and their hopes to go far in the tournament this summer.
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.
Donovan urges US to seize home World Cup moment
LOS ANGELES, June 9 : Former United States captain Landon Donovan said success for the U.S. team at the home World Cup should be measured both by results and by the kind of iconic moments that can accelerate soccer's growth in the country.
Team Qatar to make Le Mans 24 Hours debut with big ambitions
June 9 : Team Qatar will make their Le Mans 24 Hours endurance debut this weekend in a significant step for a small country with big motorsport ambitions.
Ice hockey-Russia absent from men's 2027 world championship groups
June 9 : The International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) did not include Russia in a list of teams taking part in the men's 2027 world championship on Monday, despite the governing body lifting its ban on the country last month.
Somali football referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut
June 8 : The United States denied entry over the weekend to football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been expected to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup match.
Tánaiste urges FAI to ‘bring clarity’ to Ireland vs Israel match venue row
The Tánaiste has urged the FAI to “bring clarity” over the prospect of Ireland’s controversial home fixture against Israel being moved to a neutral venue.