This is in stark contrast to a promise made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino as recently as August 2025: “I think it is important to clarify this. There are many misunderstandings. Everyone in Canada, Mexico and the United States is welcome at next year’s FIFA World Cup. That is exactly what we are working towards.”
Artan isn’t even allowed to whistle in Canada or Mexico
Instead of standing up for Africa’s referee of the year and its own promise, the world association is now giving in to US politics. “As with previous FIFA events, the government of the host country ultimately decides who receives a visa and who is allowed to enter the country,” the association said. The problem becomes clear here too, because FIFA has shown in the past that it is very capable of reacting. In 2023, the world association withdrew Indonesia from hosting the U20 World Cup after politicians spoke out in favor of excluding Israel.
In 2026, a possible reaction would have been to use Artan only for games in Canada and Mexico as a compromise. At least 26 of the 104 games take place outside the USA. It is unclear why FIFA decided completely against the participation of the originally nominated referee. The world association left a corresponding request from t-online unanswered.
It is also unclear whether another referee will be nominated for Artan. Originally 52 referees were appointed to manage the game. Even with one less referee, handling the 104 games should not be a problem. Especially since a late nominee would probably not be able to get a US visa at such short notice. Should FIFA, contrary to expectations, appoint a replacement, it will probably be a North American.
At least it is clear that no game will have to be recast at short notice. FIFA only informs about which referee will be in charge of the respective game almost 48 hours before kick-off. Artan wasn’t officially scheduled for any games yet.
The expulsion of the Somali referee does not result in any additional organizational effort for FIFA, but it does result in another huge dent in its own image. “I’m laughing, but it’s not funny,” said English football legend Ian Wright. “This is a world championship of chaos.”