2026 World Cup under high tension: Somali referee denied entry, Mexico protests, Iranian tribute
Two days before kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, geopolitical incidents pile up. Somali referee Omar Artan was turned away at the US border. Thousands of protesters — a teachers' strike — blocked the Mexico City stadium. Iranian players paid tribute to victims of US strikes. Morocco and Algeria have no guaranteed visas. The White House defends all visa decisions.