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FIFA World Cup 2026

Fifa World Cup 2026: How Referee Omar Artan was barred from entering US

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Referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss the 2026 Fifa World Cup after being barred from entering United States, FIFA has confirmed.

Artan, the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men’s referee of the year, was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey.

“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,” read a statement as published by BBC Sport.

“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.”

Though no reason has been given for his denial, his country, Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration and that could probably be the reason.

Last year in August, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that none will be barred from the World Cup and that this was meant to be an occasion to unite everyone.

“I think it’s important to clarify this. There is a lot of misconception out there. Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year.

“There is a process to go through to get visas and so on. This process will be smoot. We want to unite the world and we will unite the world next year. The world needs occasions of unity, of bringing teams together, of bringing people together, of bringing fans together… So again, everyone will be welcome, be positive and you will see it will be a great, great celebration.”

Artan was among the 52 referees announced by Fifa to officiate at the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, which runs from 11 June to 19 July.

An official in the Somali national football league championships, Artan became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

He handled the second leg of the 2026 CAF Champions League in Morocco which Mamelodi Sundowns edged on aggregate after drawing 1-1 with AS FAR.

Besides denying Artan entry, several other teams have had to go through rigorous checks with the national teams of Uzbekistan, Senegal, Iran and Iraq all ‘humiliated’ while the latter’s team photographer was sent back home.

Switzerland forward Breel Embolo is also facing visa issues and could miss the tournament.

On top of that, several fans across the world especially from Africa are facing rejections as reported by BBC Sport with some giving up on the biggest global soccer showpiece.

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FIFA World Cup 2026

Gyan, Sagna, Terry and Tshabalala to headline SuperSport’s unrivalled 2026 FIFA World Cup roster

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The greatest show on earth is about to get the broadcast spectacle it truly deserves. As the globe prepares for the monumental expansion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, SuperSport, a subsidiary of MultiChoice Group and a CANAL+ company, is pulling back the curtain on a breathtaking assembly of global football royalty and broadcasting excellence. 

For the very first time, the tournament will be available in its entirety to DStv subscribers from DStv Access right through to DStv Premium, making it the most accessible World Cup ever staged for MultiChoice Group customers across English and Portuguese-speaking African countries.

To guide viewers through an unprecedented 104 live matches, highlights, and immediate repeats, SuperSport has recruited a tactical powerhouse panel led by one of the most revered leaders in the history of world football, John Terry.

The ultimate Chelsea FC captain, who secured five Premier League titles and the 2012 UEFA Champions League, brings his pinnacle defensive mastery and elite mentality to the studio. 

Joining him at the marquee is his fierce former rival, Bacary Sagna, the elite, reliable right-back who dominated the Premier League with Arsenal and Manchester City while representing France at two World Cups.

They are joined by the tactical brilliance of manager Roberto Di Matteo, who achieved legend status at Chelsea as both a world-class midfielder and the historic manager who delivered their first European crown.

Former Ghana forward Asamoah Gyan.

As the tournament expands to 48 nations, making it the longest-running and largest FIFA World Cup in history, Africa is poised to make its own history by sending an extraordinary contingent of 10 countries to the Americas. 

To match the sheer magnitude of this occasion, beautifully highlighted by Hollywood star Idris Elba’s announcement that all 104 matches will be broadcast live on DStv and GOtv, the SuperSport studio will welcome an elite array of African pioneers. 

Viewers will be treated to the explosive insights of Asamoah Gyan, the highest-scoring African player in World Cup history, who famously powered Ghana to the 2010 quarterfinals. 

Adding immense silverware pedigree is versatile Ivorian forward Salomon Kalou, a 2015 Africa Cup of Nations champion and Champions League winner. 

Current Super Eagles captain and MVP of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, William Troost-Ekong, brings contemporary leadership to the panel, alongside South African football royalty Siphiwe Tshabalala, the author of the thunderous, iconic opening goal of the 2010 tournament that remains etched into global folklore.

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala

Because SuperSport is the definitive home of the World Cup, ensuring that the unique flavour and rhythm of the African drumbeat from Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo echo across the broadcast, this global brilliance is seamlessly blended with razor-sharp local expertise. 

Former Bafana Bafana captain Bongani Khumalo will provide forensic defensive breakdowns, while Teko “The General” Modise offers unmatched midfield analysis wrapped in stylistic flair. 

Banyana Banyana legend Amanda Dlamini brings articulate tactical reads alongside the explosive energy of Phumudzo Manenzhe.

The nuanced viewpoints of Stanton Fredericks, the coaching precision of Shaun Bartlett, the no-nonsense honesty of Jimmy Tau, and the elite technical expertise of Simphiwe Dludlu round out a masterclass analytical team. 

Guiding audiences through this historic marathon is a dynamic, world-class lineup of premier broadcasters, featuring the unparalleled grace of the “First Lady of Sport,” Carol Tshabalala, the encyclopaedic desk-anchoring of Thomas Mlambo, and the vibrant, engaging presence of Thato Moeng.

A tournament of this staggering scale, running from June 11 in Mexico City to the July 19 final in New Jersey, demands coverage that takes over your entire day with new, fresh faces and masterclasses from around the globe. 

To that end, SuperSport is set to redefine morning television with the launch of The Morning Cup

Premiering on June 10, this brand-new, live daily broadcast is an electrifying collision of football, culture, music, entertainment, and unapologetic conversation. 

Anchored by dynamic SuperSport presenters Lwazi Ziqubu and Fiso Mazibuko, the main studio boasts a formidable, pan-African roster of co-hosts bringing unmatched star power to the desk.

With legendary SA television and radio personality Phat Joe, Nigerian comedy icon Basketmouth, award-winning Kenyan actress Sarah Hassan, and Egyptian-Jamaican sports presenter Sirayah Shiraz, it is the ultimate, culture-shifting wake-up call for every football lover on the continent. 

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the most spectacular tournament in football history, and our broadcast offering completely reflects that unprecedented scale,” said Rendani Ramovha, Director for Sports Content in English and Portuguese-speaking Africa at CANAL+. 

“We are incredibly proud to assemble what is undoubtedly the most formidable, star-studded tactical panel ever seen on African television. By bringing global heavyweights like John Terry and Bacary Sagna, as well as African legends Siphiwe Tshabalala and Asamoah Gyan, together with our revered continental pioneers and world-class homegrown analysts, we are delivering an unmatched, immersive experience.

“From free viewing at the start of matches (10 minutes) on YouTube, content creators, presenters and analysts on the ground in the Americas, this is our most accessible FIFA World Cup ever, and we are guaranteeing our viewers a definitive, front-row seat to the magic, the culture, and the heartbeat of the global game.”

Catch the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup live on Thursday, 11 June, at 22:00 EAT on SuperSport as hosts Mexico take on Bafana Bafana.

The post Gyan, Sagna, Terry and Tshabalala to headline SuperSport’s unrivalled 2026 FIFA World Cup roster appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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FIFA World Cup 2026

Mexico outclass South Africa in 2026 FIFA World Cup opener

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  • Group A: Mexico 2-0 South Africa

Mexico defeated a nine-man South Africa 2-0 in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group A at the Mexico City Stadium on Thursday before over 80,000 spectators.

A goal in either half from Julian Andres Quinones and Raul Jimenez set the tone for the tournament co-hosts, who are now top of Group A with three points and two goals.

Julian Andres Quinones celebrations

Quinones, who features for Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Professional League, set the ball rolling with an 8th-minute goal past South Africa’s captain Ronwen Williams.

South Africa granted Mexico the numerical advantage after Yaya Sithole was red-carded in the 50th minute for a professional foul.

Jimenez, a forward at Wolverhampton Football Club in the English Premier League, headed home the second goal on 66 minutes.

Themba Zwane was also red-carded in the 82nd minute following a VAR review as South Africa’s miserable night continued.

Mexico’s Ceaser Montes was also sent off by Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio for a foul inside the 7 added minutes of additional time.

There was a befitting opening ceremony before the duel with magical performances from Shakirah and Burna Boy.

Next matches:

South Korea takes on the Czech Republic on Friday, 12th June 2026, in the early kick-off before Canada tussles with Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Mexico’s second Group A contest will be on 19th June 2026 against South Korea.

South Africa will play the Czech Republic on 18th June 2026.

Argentina are the defending champions of this tournament, which has been played since 1930.

The post Mexico outclass South Africa in 2026 FIFA World Cup opener appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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FIFA World Cup 2026

Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Kawowo Sports Team pick their champions, Africa’s best performers and top scorers

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The Fifa World Cup 2026 starts this Thursday June 11, 2026 at the Azteca stadium in Mexico with hosts Mexico locking horns with South Africa.

With the expanded format of the global showpiece, the final match will be played at the MetLife stadium in the United States on July 19 and that will be match no. 104.

The World Cup starts in Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Thursday and finishes in the MetLife Stadium near New York City on 19 July.

Forty-eight teams from across all continents but only one will lift the coveted trophy.

Will it be Argentina defending their crown? Will record champions Brazil end a 24-year wait? Or a new winner awaits.

Kawowo Sports football pundits, writers, photographers, videographers, editors and all staff have predicted what will happen over the next five weeks and here we are.

The predictions mainly focus on champions, Africa’s best performing nation and how far they will go plus the tournament top scorers.

Here is the summary of the predictions

Name Winners Best African Nation [Stage] Top Scorer
Ismael Kiyonga Spain Morocco & Senegal – Quarter Final Kane & Mbappe
Joshua Lubanga Spain Senegal – SEMIS Mbappe
Samuel Okiria Argentina Senegal – Quarter Final Kane & Messi
Raymond Kagoda Argentina Morocco – FINAL Mbappe & Ronaldo
Don Mugabi Spain Senegal – SEMIS Yamal
Joel Muyita France Ivory Coast – Quarter Final Mbappe
Solomon Mwesigwa Germany Algeria – Quarter Final Oyarzabal
David Isabirye Brazil Morocco – Quarter Final Vinicius Jr
Edwin Kyle Kule Portugal Morocco – Quarter Final Mbappe
Mike Muhima France Senegal – Round of 16 Mbappe
Denis Musali Germany Ghana – Round of 16 Kane
Franklin Kaweru Portugal Senegal – Quarter Final Kane & Mbappe
Grace Joyce Kemigisa Brazil/France Senegal & Morocco – Quarter Final Yamal & Mbappe
Gerald Norman VIII France Senegal – Quarter Final Mbappe
Benjamin Musasizi Spain Morocco – Quarter Final Kane & Mbappe
Joseph Owino Portugal Senegal – Quarter Final Mbappe
Marion Katusiime France Senegal – Quarter Final Dembele
Ruth Owino Spain Senegal – Quarter Final Mbappe
Javira Ssebwami Portugal Morocco – SEMIS Mbappe & Alvarez
Aminah Babirye France Morocco – Quarter Final Mbappe
Viola Namulwa France Morocco – Quarter Final Kane & Mbappe
John Batanudde Portugal Senegal – Quarter Final Kane
Sharipha Ramah Namagooba Portugal Morocco – Quarter Final Mbappe

The post Who will win the 2026 World Cup? Kawowo Sports Team pick their champions, Africa’s best performers and top scorers appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

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