The UN’s top human rights official has called for a ‘massive rethink’ of US immigration and security policies ahead of the World Cup, warning that racial profiling, surveillance and aggressive enforcement are already affecting teams, officials and supporters. Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, told journalists on Wednesday that if such issues…
Global football body Fifa is branding the World Cup 2026 – and global football in general – as a celebration of inclusivity and diversity. It’s presented as a harbinger of peace and hope, and even somehow a saviour of African migrants who drown while attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea. The humanitarian posturing should not…
The United States government has faced sharp criticism from immigration and human rights experts due to the ongoing visa-related complications and entry denials for athletes and officials participating in the FIFA World Cup. The censure of US President Donald Trump’s administration grew after top Somali football referee Omar Artan, who was set to officiate in…
South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has called on his players to embrace the occasion and carry the hopes of an entire nation when Bafana Bafana face co-hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday. The highly anticipated Group A clash at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City…
Africa will make history at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 10 teams representing the continent, the largest African contingent ever seen at the tournament. The competition kicks off on Thursday in North America, with South Africa facing co-hosts Mexico in the opening match, and for the first time Africa will have double-digit representation on…
A Somali referee celebrated as Africa’s best has reportedly been denied entry into the United States and sent back to Turkey upon arrival at Miami International Airport, preventing him from officiating at the upcoming Fifa World Cup, according to the world football governing body Fifa. Omar Abdulkadir Artan, 34, who was named the 2025 Caf…
BBC – When Iraq’s football team qualified for the World Cup at the end of March, Abdulla Adnan bought tickets for his country’s matches against Norway and France, which will be played in the US cities of Boston and Philadelphia this month. “To go to a match, a stadium, a crowd, cheering, and see my…
With less than a year to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tensions are rising over reported visa denials affecting international journalists expected to cover the tournament in the United States. The International Sports Press Association (AIPS) has written to world football governing body FIFA warning that “many” accredited journalists from Iran and several…
While Brazil remain the most successful nation with five titles, another South American country occupy a unique place in football history as the only country with exactly three FIFA World Cup crowns. As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters its final three days, attention naturally turns to the teams expected to challenge…
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins on June 11, 2026, matches will be played across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Millions of fans will arrive through multiple airports and will pack into stadiums, airports, hotels, bars and public transit systems over five weeks. That makes the World Cup not just…
