Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright has launched a scathing attack on the organization of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the tournament as a “World Cup of chaos” following the exclusion of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from the competition.
Artan, who was set to make history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, was denied entry into the United States despite reportedly holding valid travel documentation. FIFA subsequently confirmed that the highly-rated official would no longer be part of the tournament’s refereeing team after U.S. authorities ruled that his immigration status would not be changed.
The decision has sparked widespread criticism across the football world, with Wright becoming one of the most prominent voices to question the handling of the tournament by the host nation.
Speaking in a video posted on social media, the Arsenal legend expressed frustration at what he described as a growing list of travel-related problems affecting players, officials, journalists and supporters ahead of football’s biggest event.
“I’ve just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry,” Wright said.
“Every few hours it’s another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs.”
The former England international questioned whether the current situation reflects the values and spirit traditionally associated with the World Cup.
“Is this how the hosts behave really for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world? Is this how the hosts behave?” Wright asked.
He also highlighted the financial burden already facing supporters, pointing to soaring ticket prices, accommodation costs and transportation expenses.
“Expensive tickets, the most expensive tickets ever, expensive accommodation, transport through the roof,” he said.
Wright reserved particular sympathy for American football fans who had eagerly anticipated hosting the tournament.
“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.”
The former striker then delivered his strongest verdict yet on the tournament.
“This is the World Cup. This is the World Cup of chaos. Whoever wins this World Cup is going to have to go through some serious, serious chaos to get this done. I hope we can do it, but something has to be said.”
Artan’s exclusion has become one of the biggest controversies surrounding the tournament just days before kick-off. The 34-year-old official, who was named Africa’s Best Male Referee for 2025, had been selected among FIFA’s elite match officials and was expected to represent both Somalia and African football on the world stage.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a Somali national arriving from Istanbul was deemed inadmissible following additional screening due to unspecified “vetting concerns.” FIFA stressed that immigration matters fall entirely under the jurisdiction of host-country authorities and that it has no influence over visa or admission decisions.
The controversy has further intensified scrutiny of travel and visa issues that have affected several participants and supporters ahead of the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Critics argue that such incidents risk overshadowing what is expected to be the largest World Cup in history.
For many across Africa, Artan’s exclusion represents more than just the loss of a referee. It is the loss of a historic milestone for Somali football and a reminder of the challenges that continue to surround the global game despite football’s message of inclusion and unity.
