FIFA World Cup: Five biggest controversies of the 2026 tournament
Summary
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has faced several controversies, including disputes around refereeing, political issues, and decisions by FIFA officials. Key problems involve a Somali referee barred from the US, a US player’s red-card suspension lifted after President Trump’s intervention, and criticism of the video assistant referee (VAR) system.Key Facts
- Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the US despite having a valid visa, preventing him from participating in the World Cup.
- The US government cited alleged links between Artan and suspected terrorists without evidence.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino advised critics to “chill and relax” in response to the controversy.
- US striker Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension was lifted after President Trump personally urged FIFA to review the case.
- European football organizations and others criticized FIFA for allowing political influence in disciplinary decisions.
- Belgium challenged Balogun’s eligibility hours before their match, but FIFA rejected the appeal.
- President Trump questioned the quality of refereeing by a Brazilian referee who sent Balogun off, without providing details.
- The VAR system caused disputes, notably during Egypt’s loss to Argentina where controversial calls affected the outcome.
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