FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the case of Somali World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry to the United States, "unfortunate."

• Omar Abdulkadir Artan, voted Africa's top men's referee, was refused entry to the United States despite reportedly having a valid visa.
• A US State Department official stated Artan was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," making him ineligible for admission.
• Artan would have been the first match official from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup finals.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to address the media on the eve of the 2026 Men's World Cup, amidst off-field controversies including ticket prices and the barring of officials from the United States.

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino will hold a press conference in Mexico City.
• A top Somali referee, Omar Artan, was denied entry to the US due to alleged ties to terrorist organizations.
• Social unrest protests in Mexico City have raised concerns for the opening match at the Estadio Azteca.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, previously denied entry to the United States, has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup.

• The match will take place on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria, between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
• UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan's skills, calling him an "excellent young but already experienced referee."
• Artan was barred from entering the US due to suspected association with members of terrorist organizations.