2026 FIFA World Cup Roundup: Referee Denied Entry, Historic Firsts, and Off-Pitch Drama
Referee Omar Artan Denied Entry to United States
Somali national Omar Artan, selected as a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was denied entry to the United States by US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon his arrival at Miami International Airport from Istanbul.
CBP stated that during processing, Artan underwent additional inspection and was found inadmissible due to vetting concerns. FIFA confirmed that Artan would not officiate at the tournament and noted that the host government determines visa and admission decisions. US officials claimed, without providing proof, that Artan had connections to terror organizations.
Following this incident, Artan was selected to referee the UEFA Super Cup match between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin cited respect for Artan's officiating skills. Artan, named Africa's best male referee in 2025, will receive his full tournament fee from FIFA. This decision was determined after the event.
The denial of entry to Artan follows reports of Iran accusing the US of denying visas to members of its national football team's staff, and Swiss striker Breel Embolo experiencing a visa delay.
Opening Match and Tournament Begins
The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened with a ceremony and a match where Mexico defeated South Africa.
Opening Ceremony
Local singer Lila Downs welcomed attendees. Performances included artists such as Shakira, Maná, Los Ángeles Azules, J Balvin, Danny Ocean, Andrea Bocelli, and EJAE. National anthems were sung by Tyla (South Africa) and Alejandro Fernández (Mexico).
Hydration Breaks
FIFA introduced mandatory three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half, applied regardless of temperature. During the Mexico–South Africa match, played at 24°C with drizzle, broadcasters such as SBS and Fox used the break for commercials. Fox was criticized for extending the break beyond play resumption.
Haiti's Jersey and Goals
FIFA rejected Haiti's original jersey design, which depicted the final battle of the Haitian War of Independence (1803). Kit manufacturer Saeta stated the design was not intended as a political statement. Haiti gained independence in 1804.
In their match against Morocco, Haiti scored two goals, marking its first World Cup goals since 1974.
Lenny Joseph and Wilson Isidor scored for Haiti.
Youngest Player Record
Mexico's Gilberto Mora, aged 17 years and 240 days, became the first player born after the 2006 World Cup to play at the tournament. He is the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup and the sixth youngest in men's World Cup history.
Curaçao's First World Cup Goal
Curaçao, the smallest nation to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, scored its first-ever goal during a match against Germany. Livano Comenencia scored in the first half, temporarily tying the score at 1-1. Germany won the match 7-1.
Netherlands Fan Walk
The Netherlands' fan walk before their match has become a notable event. An orange double-decker bus with a hype man leads thousands of fans in a street party on the way to the stadium.
Criticism of UEFA President's Comments
Associations from Cape Verde, Congo, Curaçao, Haiti, Jordan, Uzbekistan, and several African nations issued a joint statement criticizing UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin for stating that the expanded 48-team World Cup creates "uninteresting matches." The statement emphasized football's universality.
Justin Trudeau's Attendance
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was absent from Canada's opening match against Bosnia-Herzegovina in Toronto. He attended the United States match against Paraguay in Los Angeles, citing support for his partner Katy Perry, who performed at the pre-game show.
Harry Kane Curse Lifted
Ghanaian spiritualist Nana Kwaku Bonsam stated he has lifted a curse from England captain Harry Kane after Kane failed to score in England's goalless draw against Ghana. Bonsam claimed before the match he would prevent Kane from scoring. Kane scored twice in England's previous match but missed a late chance against Ghana.
Lionel Messi's Birthday
Argentines celebrated Lionel Messi's 39th birthday on Thursday with public gatherings and social media campaigns under #CumpleLEO.
Duck Denied Entry
A duck named Merlin, a social media sensation, was allowed onto stadium grounds for a TV segment but not inside the venue for Mexico's match against Czechia. FIFA regulations prohibit animals in venues.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa Appearance
Mexico's 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, retiring after the tournament, substituted in at the 78th minute in Mexico's 2-0 win against Czechia. He received a standing ovation in his possible final World Cup appearance. 17-year-old Gilberto Mora made his first World Cup start for Mexico.
Homophobic Chant Persists
Fans at Mexico's match chanted a homophobic slur during the first half aimed at Czechia goalkeeper Matej Kovar. The chant has previously resulted in FIFA fines against Mexico.
Player Suspension
Qatar's Assim Madibo received a five-match ban for a tackle that broke the leg of Canada's Ismaël Koné. Koné underwent surgery for a broken left tibia and fibula.