Kenya Minute.
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Kenya’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Wednesday, 17 June 2026
Nairobi—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Kenyan press · Organization

FIFA

Also known as: FIFA's · FIFA Marketplace · World football's governing body FIFA

FIFA — international body organizing the 2026 World Cup across United States, Mexico, and Canada, facing backlash over ticket pricing and visa denials.

2026-04-242026-06-17
Share on WhatsApp

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026

  2. The Standard

    … Artan, who was named referee of the year in 2025 by the Confederation of African Football, has been dropped from FIFA's list of officials after he was refused entry to the United States on arriving in Miami on Saturday.Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list intr …

    Somali referee says World Cup 'dream' ruined

  3. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeSomalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan gestures during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group D football match between Mauritania and Algeria at Stade de la Paix in Bouake on January 23, 2024. [AFP] FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday described as "u …

    FIFA boss Infantino says case of Somali referee 'unfortunate'

  4. Citizen Digital

    … In a statement on Tuesday, Somalia's Ministry of Sports expressed "deep regret" over Artan's denial of entry, saying that despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and world football governing body FIFA, it was "not possible to achieve a positive outcome". …

    Somalia backs referee after US entry denial

  5. The Standard

    Audio By Vocalize Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been dropped from officiating at the World Cup after being barred from entering the United States, world football's governing body FIFA said on Monday.A FIFA spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Artan, who was re …

    Somali referee axed from World Cup after being denied entry to US

  6. The Standard

    Audio By VocalizeFormer Harambee Starlets defender Terry Ouko is set to represent Kenya on football’s biggest stage after securing a senior operational role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. …

    Ex-Harambee Starlets defender Terry Ouko lands key FIFA World Cup role

  7. The Standard

    … In a statement on Tuesday, Somalia's Ministry of Sports expressed "deep regret" over Artan's denial of entry, saying that despite diplomatic engagement with US authorities and world football governing body FIFA, it was "not possible to achieve a positive outcome". …

    Somalia backs referee's 'integrity', pledges 'unwavering support'

  8. Citizen Digital

    … Artan was among the 52 referees announced by FIFA to officiate at the June-July World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States. …

    Somali referee denied entry to US for World Cup

  9. Citizen Digital

    … e on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter ADEM ALTAN / AFP Photo by ADEM ALTAN / AFP Three Iranian national football team players and members of their delegation arrive at the US Embassy in Ankara for their visa application ahead of the 2026 FIFA …

    Iran World Cup team heads to Mexico as US visa row rages

  10. Citizen Digital

    FIFA to allow disposable water bottles at World Cup games after outcry By AFP June 06, 2026 12:02 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter A man poses for a photo in front of a giant replica of the FIFA World Cup tr …

    FIFA to allow disposable water bottles at World Cup games after outcry

  11. Citizen Digital

    … e on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter ADEM ALTAN / AFP Photo by ADEM ALTAN / AFP Three Iranian national football team players and members of their delegation arrive at the US Embassy in Ankara for their visa application ahead of the 2026 FIFA …

    US confirms Iranian footballers granted visas for World Cup
Sport

Iran coach claims team faces oppressive conditions at World Cup

The News

Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran is the "most oppressed team in the World Cup" after players were ordered to return to Mexico immediately following their opening match in Los Angeles. The squad has faced visa delays for support staff, last-minute travel documents for players, and a forced relocation of its training camp from Arizona to Mexico due to logistical issues amid tensions between Iran and the United States.

16 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Yesterday

  1. Iran coach claims team faces oppressive conditions at World Cup

    Coach Amir Ghalenoei said Iran is the "most oppressed team in the World Cup" after players were ordered to return to Mexico immediately following their opening match in Los Angeles. The squad has faced visa delays for support staff, last-minute travel documents for players, and a forced relocation of its training camp from Arizona to Mexico due to logistical issues amid tensions between Iran and the United States.

    16 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Kenya must build system to qualify for 2030 World Cup

    An opinion piece argues that while Kenyans passionately follow foreign football teams, Kenya has failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup and must develop a systematic approach—not just individual players—to compete in the 2030 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Morocco, Portugal, and Spain.

    16 June 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 15 June

  1. FKF set to benefit from expanded FIFA funding program

    FKF President Hussein Mohammed has pledged to leverage new FIFA development programs to accelerate football growth in Kenya following discussions at the FIFA Executive Football Summit 2026 in Miami. The summit announced the launch of the FIFA Forward 4 program beginning in January 2027, which will expand support for Member Associations to invest in infrastructure, competitions, and grassroots development.

    15 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Iran World Cup coach cites political tensions but urges focus

    Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei said political tensions and visa issues have damaged preparations for the World Cup but insisted his players will not "pay attention to any of the hype." The team faces New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday, marking the first time a World Cup host has hosted a country with which it is at war.

    15 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Kenya must focus on 2030 World Cup qualification

    An opinion piece argues that Kenyans' passion for foreign national teams overshadows support for the Harambee Stars, and calls for the country to pursue qualification for the 2030 World Cup, which will be hosted partly in Africa for the first time in history.

    15 June 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 13 June

  1. Ghana protests Canada's visa denial for midfielder Thomas Partey

    Ghana has formally lodged a protest with Canada over its refusal to issue a visa for the World Cup to midfielder Thomas Partey, who is facing trial in Britain on rape charges. Ghana's Foreign Minister called the decision "high-handed and extremely unfair" and requested that Canada review it.

    13 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Empty seats at World Cup match spark ticket pricing row

    Empty seats at a South Korea–Czech Republic World Cup match in Guadalajara on June 11 renewed concerns over FIFA's ticket pricing strategy for the expanded 48-team tournament, with fans citing high prices as the reason for poor attendance at the 46,000-seat stadium.

    13 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. US beats Paraguay 4-1 in 2026 World Cup opener

    The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in the 2026 World Cup's first match on US soil, held in Los Angeles, with goals from Folarin Balogun (2), Gio Reyna, and an own goal giving the co-hosts a dominant start to the tournament.

    13 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  4. USA defeats Paraguay 4-1 in World Cup opener

    The United States beat Paraguay 4-1 in their World Cup tournament opener on home soil, with goals from Folarin Balogun and Gio Reyna, giving the co-hosts an early advantage in Group D alongside Australia and Turkey.

    13 June 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 12 June

  1. USA plays first World Cup finals game on home soil since 1994

    The United States begins their World Cup campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Friday, June 12, 2026—their first finals game on home soil in 32 years. US head coach Mauricio Pochettino says success means winning the World Cup, not merely progressing from Group D.

    12 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 11 June

  1. 2026 World Cup kicks off with record revenue but visa and ticket challenges

    The World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, launched Thursday with Mexico taking on South Africa, featuring 48 teams and projected to generate $13 billion in total revenue. The tournament has faced criticism over high ticket prices and visa issues affecting a top referee, Iranian team officials, and fans seeking entry to the United States.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Somali referee denied US entry appointed to UEFA Super Cup

    Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, has been appointed by UEFA to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan as an excellent and experienced referee who has proven himself at the highest level of African football competition.

    11 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Somali referee denied US entry appointed to UEFA Super Cup

    UEFA appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa on August 12 in Salzburg, Austria. Artan was previously denied entry to the United States for the World Cup, and UEFA's appointment was announced as part of a cooperation accord with the African confederation.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

  4. AI to shape 2026 World Cup coaching, health, and officiating

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring 48 teams and 104 games across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the most technologically advanced tournament, with artificial intelligence applied to coaching strategy, player health monitoring, penalty shoot-out analysis, match officiating, security and fan experience.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

  5. 2026 World Cup kicks off with record revenue, ticket-price backlash

    The 48-team World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, begins Thursday with Mexico facing South Africa; FIFA projects record $13 billion in revenue but faces criticism over ticket prices topping $30,000 and visa denials affecting referees, officials, and fans trying to enter the US.

    11 June 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 10 June

  1. Iran warns it will halt World Cup matches over unauthorised flags

    Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said the team will stop matches if unauthorised flags are displayed or slogans against the national team are chanted at World Cup stadiums. Iran opens their Group G campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Trump announces plan to attend World Cup

    US President Donald Trump said Wednesday he will attend the World Cup, which is being jointly held in the United States, Mexico and Canada. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said he expects Trump to present the trophy to the winning team at the final on July 19.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. FIFA chief Infantino faces scrutiny over World Cup ticket prices, immigration issues

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to hold a rare press conference in Mexico City on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, facing tough questions about sky-high ticket prices and a US immigration crackdown that has barred a top African referee, fans, and team officials from entering the country.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  4. Somali referee denied US entry for World Cup vows 2030 return

    Somali referee Omar Artan, selected as the first Somali to officiate at the World Cup finals, was barred from entering the United States and returned to Mogadishu, where he pledged to participate in the next World Cup in 2030 despite the rejection.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  5. Somalia backs referee denied US entry for World Cup

    Somalia's government expressed "deep regret" after award-winning referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States and barred from officiating at the World Cup finals. The US State Department said Artan was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations," making him ineligible for admission.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

  6. Somali referee denied US entry, dropped from World Cup

    Somali referee Omar Artan, named referee of the year in 2025 by the Confederation of African Football, was denied entry to the United States and dropped from FIFA's World Cup officials list. A US State Department official said Artan was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," and Somalia is on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

  7. FIFA chief calls Somali referee's US entry denial "unfortunate"

    FIFA president Gianni Infantino described as "unfortunate" the case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry to the United States at Miami International Airport. The US State Department said Artan was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations," making him ineligible for admission.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

  8. FIFA chief faces questions on World Cup eve

    FIFA President Gianni Infantino will hold a rare press conference in Mexico City ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he is expected to face questions about ticket prices and US immigration restrictions that have barred a top African referee, fans and team officials from entering the country.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 9 June

  1. Somalia backs referee denied US entry for World Cup

    Somalia's Ministry of Sports expressed "deep regret" after referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States on Saturday, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals. The US Customs and Border Protection said he was denied entry following a routine inspection, despite diplomatic engagement between Somalia, FIFA, and US authorities.

    9 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Somali referee barred from US, dropped from World Cup

    FIFA confirmed that award-winning Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States and will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup. Had he participated, Artan would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup; FIFA said it has no authority over host-country immigration decisions.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Former Harambee Starlets defender appointed FIFA World Cup venue manager

    Terry Ouko, an ex-Harambee Starlets defender, has been appointed by FIFA as Sustainability and Human Rights Venue Manager at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ouko, who has built a reputation as a respected football administrator and player welfare advocate since retiring from playing, will represent Kenya at the tournament despite Harambee Stars' failure to qualify.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

  4. Somalia defends referee denied US entry for World Cup

    Somalia's Ministry of Sports expressed "deep regret" after award-winning referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from becoming the first Somali official to officiate at a World Cup finals. The government reaffirmed "unwavering support" for Artan, expressing full confidence in his integrity and professionalism, though diplomatic efforts with US authorities and FIFA did not achieve a positive outcome.

    9 June 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 8 June

  1. Somali referee denied US entry despite World Cup appointment

    Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, selected as the first from his country to officiate at World Cup finals, was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport. Somalia is on a travel ban list under President Donald Trump's administration, though Artan held a valid US visa.

    8 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Sunday 7 June

  1. Iran World Cup team departs for Mexico amid US visa dispute

    Iran's World Cup squad departed Turkey for Mexico on Saturday ahead of the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, after the US refused to issue visas for some team support staff, triggering a diplomatic row between Tehran and Washington.

    7 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Saturday 6 June

  1. FIFA allows one disposable water bottle per World Cup fan

    FIFA announced it will permit fans to bring one soft, plastic 20-ounce disposable water bottle into World Cup 2026 venues in the USA and Canada, reversing a ban on refillable bottles that prompted public outcry. FIFA cited safety concerns for the policy change.

    6 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

FIFA — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute