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Omar Artan given hero’s welcome in Somalia after referee’s US entry blocked

10 June 2026 at 09:11
  • Artan deemed a threat to national security by US officials

  • ‘I promise you that I will attend the next one’

The World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the US arrived on Wednesday in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, where he was received by a crowd of supporters and officials.

Omar Artan was due to be the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup after making Fifa’s final list for the tournament. He is one of Africa’s top referees and was named the continent’s best male referee in 2025.

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© Photograph: Feisal Omar/Reuters

© Photograph: Feisal Omar/Reuters

© Photograph: Feisal Omar/Reuters

Nike charges World Cup fans the most for replica shirts after price surge

10 June 2026 at 08:00

England supporters face paying inflation-busting £95 for an adult shirt as the tournament begins in the US

Fans of World Cup teams kitted out by Nike face the highest costs if they want to buy a replica shirt before the tournament kicks off this week amid a “striking” overall increase in prices.

Alongside the official match versions, which are retailing for as much as €160, manufacturers typically make “stadium”, or replica, versions aimed at supporters.

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© Photograph: Eddie Keogh/The FA/Getty

© Photograph: Eddie Keogh/The FA/Getty

© Photograph: Eddie Keogh/The FA/Getty

Roger Bennett on what to expect at the World Cup

The countdown is on to the start of the World Cup. The tournament is the biggest in the event's history, with 48 teams competing across the United States, Canada and Mexico. But organizers have faced criticism over ticket prices and geopolitical tensions have complicated travel for some teams and their supporters. Geoff Bennett discussed more with Roger Bennett of Men in Blazers.

Paxton investigating FIFA over World Cup ticket prices in Texas

9 June 2026 at 21:10
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) on Tuesday announced an investigation into FIFA over allegations that some World Cup ticket holders were misled about the locations and quality of seats they purchased for upcoming matches. The probe comes days before World Cup matches are set to begin in Houston and Arlington on Sunday.  Fans who…

Paxton investigating FIFA over World Cup ticket prices in Texas

9 June 2026 at 21:10
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) on Tuesday announced an investigation into FIFA over allegations that some World Cup ticket holders were misled about the locations and quality of seats they purchased for upcoming matches. The probe comes days before World Cup matches are set to begin in Houston and Arlington on Sunday.  Fans who…

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