Why couldn’t he then ref in Canada or Mexico?
The article says
FIFA’s head of match officials, Pierluigi Collina, has set up a training hub in Miami for the 140 referees and assistant referees participating in the event.
These officials are required to stay at the training base for logistical and security reasons; therefore, it would not be possible for Artan to referee games in Canada and Mexico without setting foot in the US.
Except it isn’t possible. The AFL fixture was announced in November, while World Cup was announced in December.
The similarity is that they cannot be changed once announced except forced to due to reasons.
Chill.
— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) June 11, 2026
Unless you’re a fan whose visa was denied, losing your life savings.
A referee whose participation was withdrawn after a lifetime of work.
A player who couldn’t focus without certainty as to if, or when, you were going to be allowed to play in the biggest moment of your… https://t.co/NCIVxoFhS4
Chill.
Unless you’re a fan whose visa was denied, losing your life savings.
A referee whose participation was withdrawn after a lifetime of work.
A player who couldn’t focus without certainty as to if, or when, you were going to be allowed to play in the biggest moment of your young life, and most precious memory as you will age.
A country that had to change venues because you’re being bombed by the hosts.
A staff member denied a World Cup after years of dedication in qualifying.
A spectator who sold your house to pay for exorbitant tickets.
Aside from that, relax.
In response to
"Chill, relax"
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 10, 2026
BBC sports editor Dan Roan asks Fifa president Gianni Infantino if he's lost control of his own tournament. #FifaWorldCup pic.twitter.com/swtkZFnqeL
Omar Artan was denied entry into the US simply because of Donald Trump’s policy banning people from 12 countries (including Omar’s home country of Somalia) from entering America. Omar won’t be able to officiate at the soccer matches at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics due to the same ban.
Also, they would not be able to show the game on the screens, as they’re profiting from the event (as the tickets are paid for of course), without a license.
Please gamble responsibly. Except if your team is on brink of relegation, then maybe put all your savings in to rescue it.
You may remember that the Socceroos hosted the FIFA Series in March with China, Curacao and Cameroon taking part. Turns out the series sponsor ADI is a prediction market platform.
🏆 Referee announced for 2026 #SuperCup!
— UEFA (@UEFA) June 11, 2026
We're pleased to share that Somali referee Omar Artan will officiate the highly anticipated match between PSG and Aston Villa in Salzburg.
Meanwhile, South Korea has beaten Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara. Czechia took the lead in the 59th minute, but it wasn’t until the 67th minute when South Korea fought back and scored 2 goals.
Two goals in the 67th minute?
Sorry about that, South Korea scored 2 goals in 67th and 80th minute.
FIFA faces protests in Toronto over Israel ties ahead of Canada World Cup match
On the field, Canada drew 1-1 with Bosnia-Herzegovina.
The Football Association is trying to ascertain what was stolen, with balls and boots among the items feared to have been taken, after vehicles transferring equipment to their Swope Soccer Village base in Kansas City were broken into.