"Trump World Cup is a disgrace": Aussie icon unleashes

World Cup daily news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as we countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Australian legend Craig Foster has unleashed on Donald Trump and the USA for the relentless headlines involving visas, refusal of entry and political turmoil surrounding the World Cup.

On Tuesday, Somalian referee Omar Artan - who was set to make history as the first person from his country to officiate at a World Cup - was denied entry to the USA because of the Trump administration's immigration regulations.

Artan was selected among 51 others for this year's tournament.

His story is not the first relating to the World Cup that details individuals or groups being denied entry to the USA whihc will play host to the 48-nation tournament along with Canada and Mexico.

"While it was inevitable, the events of the past few days have been as bad as anticipated," Foster said in a lengthy LinkedIn post. "A Somalian referee denied entry though on a diplomatic passport and visa, players stopped from entering the US, staff not allowed to travel of multiple teams, staff and fans given single entry visas to the US so they can’t see matches in Canada or Mexico.

"The 2026 Trump World Cup is a disgrace to the essence of the beautiful game, which is about the players, first, and the fans.

"It has always been a tool for national propoganda, all major sporting events are, and there have been many instances from 1934, 1978, 2018, 2022 with fascist governments, military juntas, anti-gay laws and annexation of Crimea being waved away and worker fatalities in Qatar which were awful, but never have the players, staff and fans been treated as criminals, and different countries given such disparate welcomes.

"We’ve seen some teams, ally countries of the US welcomed warmly, while others are searched, mass security presences around the team buses, the idea being that they’re all potential criminals with staff denied entry, players delayed and searched, and a Somalian referee’s visa revoked.

"This is unprecedented. But this is Trump’s US. Thank god the football is starting soon. But the discussion about the lack of ethics, morality and principles of FIFA will only gain further traction throughout."

"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.”

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