Ian Wright brands World Cup 2026 'chaos' after Somali referee denied US entry

Ian Wright has labelled the 2026 World Cup a “World Cup of chaos” after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States at Miami International Airport on Saturday, despite carrying valid travel documents. FIFA subsequently confirmed that Artan, one of 52 referees selected for the tournament, has been removed from its roster.

Somalia is among several countries whose citizens are subject to a blanket US travel ban introduced in June last year. In a video posted to Instagram, Wright catalogued a series of pre-tournament controversies — fans, players, officials and journalists all reportedly denied entry — and made clear his frustration was directed at both FIFA and the host nation.

“Every few hours it’s another story,” Wright said. “Another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied — now refs? I’m laughing, but it’s not funny. Something has to be said. Is this how the hosts behave for the greatest tournament in the world?”

Wright also expressed sympathy for American football supporters caught in the middle of the controversy. “I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this. American soccer fans who are desperate for this — how embarrassed they must be. This is the World Cup of chaos.”

FIFA issued a statement acknowledging the situation but distanced itself from the decision, noting that immigration processes fall outside its jurisdiction. “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the statement read. “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present. In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

This is not the first time Wright has spoken out about the tournament. The former Arsenal and England forward previously criticised ticket pricing at ITV’s World Cup launch event, describing costs as “scandalous.” His latest remarks add to a growing chorus of concern over the logistical and political complications surrounding a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.