Analysis: Is this already the "World Cup of chaos"?
With two days to go before the start of the World Cup, it's safe to say that tempers are heating up both on and off the field.
As the teams put the final touches on their preparations and isolate themselves in their training centers spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada, predictable visa problems began to dominate the headlines before the ball even rolled.
Visa issues precede 'Chaos Cup'
In the months leading up to this opening week, there was a lot of discussion about who would and wouldn't be able to enter the United States for the World Cup. Now that the moment has arrived, the reality of President Donald Trump's tough immigration rules is relentlessly asserting itself.
The Trump administration's strict policies had already put into question the participation of people from certain countries in the tournament. That turned into a harsh reality this weekend when Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the United States.
Artan was elected the best male referee in Africa in 2025 and had been chosen by the African Football Confederation (CAF) to play at this year's World Cup. However, he will no longer be able to participate, as confirmed by FIFA. The US government cited "concerns in the screening process."
When asked about Artan's case, a spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) told CNN that the referee underwent additional inspection upon landing in Miami from a flight from Istanbul. Somalia is one of 39 nations affected by the travel ban implemented by the Trump administration.
A FIFA spokesperson stated that it is up to the government of the host country to determine who receives a visa and who is "admitted into its territory".
"Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive spirit and focused on the next challenges of my refereeing career," said Artan in a statement. "I want to thank the football family for their messages, wish my colleagues the best of success during the World Cup and look forward to joining them again in future competitions."
The news of Artan's veto comes shortly after other teams, notably Iran, also faced problems entering the United States, with a significant increase in security measures for certain delegations arriving for the tournament.
Meanwhile, according to reports from BBC Sport, there are reports that a number of Scotland fans have had their travel permits revoked at the last minute, costing them thousands of dollars in airfare and non-refundable hotel bookings.
This snowball of problems generated a strong and understandable wave of public rejection, leading former Arsenal and England star Ian Wright to label the competition as the "Cup of Chaos".
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Source: CNN