World Cup 2026: Ian Wright Blasts US After Somali Referee Denied Entry

Former Arsenal and England striker, Ian Wright, has criticised the organisation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Somali referee Omar Artan was reportedly denied entry into the United States.

 

Artan had been selected by FIFA as one of the 52 referees appointed to officiate at the tournament and was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.

 

However, following reports that he was denied entry into the United States, FIFA confirmed that he would no longer be part of the tournament’s officiating roster.

 

Reacting in a video posted on social media, Wright described the situation as embarrassing and said it added to growing concerns surrounding preparations for the competition.

 

“I have just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry. Every few hours, it’s another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs,” Wright said.

 

While expressing frustration over the development, the former footballer said the situation was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

 

“You know something, I am laughing, but it’s not funny. It’s actually not funny, and something has to be said,” he added.

 

Wright also criticised the rising costs associated with the tournament, including ticket prices, accommodation and transportation.

 

“The expensive tickets, the most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. It has to be said,” he said.

 

He expressed sympathy for football supporters in the United States, arguing that many American fans had looked forward to hosting the global tournament.

 

“You know who I feel for? I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this, American soccer fans who are desperate for this. How embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be,” Wright stated.

 

Describing the situation as chaotic, he said the competition risked being overshadowed by controversies off the pitch.

 

“This is the World Cup, this is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup is going to have to go through some serious chaos to get this done.

 

“I hope we can do it, but something has to be said now. This is the World Cup,” he said.

 

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the expanded tournament set to feature 48 teams for the first time in the competition’s history.