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FIFA news: "World Cup of chaos" slammed by England icon
SEN • June 10th, 2026 10:47 am
World Cup 2026 Weekly news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as we countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
"World Cup of chaos"
The tournament is not even under way and a former England legend has slammed orghanisers after a referee approved to officiate during the tournament was denied entry to the USA.
Somalian referee Omar Artan was set to make history as the first person from his country to officiate at a World Cup after being selected among 51 others for this year's tournament.
After being refused entry in Florida, FIFA has now confirmed he will no longer play a role.
The incident doesn't sit well with former England sensation Ian Wright who took aim at the big bosses for a series of issues that have marred the lead up to the event.
"I've just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry," Wright said on social media.
"Every few hours it's another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, officials denied, journalists denied, now refs.
"You know something I'm 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.
"Is this how the hosts behave really for the greatest game, the greatest tournament in the world, is this how the hosts behave?
"Are we not hearing more? Are we seeing how Qatar got dragged, are we not hearing more? Is this the spirit of football, really?
"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."
Jota is with you
Almost a year on from his tragic death, the widow of Liverpool star Diogo Jota has penned an emotional letter to his teammate Andy Robertson as he prepares to lead Scotland at the World Cup.
The pair played together and formed a strong friendship away from the field before the 28 year-old was killed in a car accident in July 2025.
“Andy I’m writing to you with a heart full of longing, gratitude and above all pride,” read the letter from Rute Cardoso. “Diogo often spoke of you, of the friendship you built, the battles you fought together, the challenges, the laughter, the conversations about football and about dreams.
“The World Cup was one of those dreams, a dream that the two of you nurtured side by side with the same passion with which you took to the pitch. When I heard your words and learnt what you felt on that day when Scotland qualified for the World Cup after so many years of waiting, I realised that Diogo never truly left the pitch.
“By achieving that moment and securing your place at the World Cup, you won’t be going alone; you’ll be taking his dream with you too. And when you step onto the pitch, I know it won’t be just you walking out. Diogo will be with you in your thoughts, in your steps, in your heart.
“So, today I want to thank you. Thank you for not forgetting him. Thank you for taking him with you. Thank you for turning the pain of loss into strength and into something so beautiful. That’s how we do it here at home too, every day. He would be and is incredibly proud of you.
“Cherish that dream, Andy. Live it for yourself and for him. With love, gratitude and all my support, Rute Cardoso.”
