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The most inclusive World Cup ever? Tell that to Omar Artan, the Somali referee just banned by the US | Morgan Ofori

The Guardian UK Wednesday 10 June 2026, 08:40 UTC By Morgan Ofori 1 min read
Key Points

This episode feels symbolic of a World Cup where the global game has been sacrificed to Fifa’s cynical money-making – and Trumpian whimOmar Abdulkadir Artan was supposed to make history this week, becoming the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup. Instead, he’s watching from outside the US, denied entry without explanation by the Trump administration.

This episode feels symbolic of a World Cup where the global game has been sacrificed to Fifa’s cynical money-making – and Trumpian whim

Omar Abdulkadir Artan was supposed to make history this week, becoming the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup. Instead, he’s watching from outside the US, denied entry without explanation by the Trump administration. Welcome to the most inclusive World Cup ever.

Fifa, the game’s governing body, is projecting revenues of $8.9bn (£6.7bn) from this tournament – double what the 2024 Olympics made. More teams: 48, up from 32. More matches: 104 over 39 days. More markets, just how they like it. This is good business.

Morgan Ofori is a reporter, blogger and subeditor for the Guardian’s The Long Wave

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World Cup (EVENT) Omar Artan (PERSON) Somali (ORG) US (LOCATION) a World Cup (EVENT) Fifa (ORG) Trumpian (ORG) Abdulkadir Artan (PERSON) Trump (ORG) Olympics (EVENT) Morgan Ofori (ORG) Guardian (ORG) The Long Wave Continue (ORG)
Originally published by The Guardian UK Read original →

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