World Cup 2026: Ian Wright Calls US Decision to Deny African Referee “Chaos, Embarrassing”

Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has called this summer’s World Cup “chaos and embarrassing for American football fans” after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States.

Artan was slated to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup.

He had been selected by FIFA as one of 52 referees for the tournament.

Following his denial of entry, FIFA confirmed that he will be removed from its roster.

In a video posted on social media, Wright said, “I have just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry. Every few hours, it’s another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs.”

“You know something, I am laughing, but it’s not funny, it’s actually not funny, and something has to be said.”

“The expensive tickets, the most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof. It has to be said.”

“You know who I feel for? I feel for the American fans who are desperate for this, American soccer fans who are desperate for this, how embarrassed they must be. How embarrassing for them this must be.”

“This is the World Cup, this is a World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup is going to have to go through some serious chaos to get this done.”

“I hope we can do it, but something has to be said now. This is the World Cup.”