FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces sharp scrutiny in Mexico City on the eve of the 2026 World Cup, with ticket prices and US immigration policies clouding the build-up.
Somali referee Omar Artan, Africa’s 2025 Referee of the Year, was denied entry to the US despite valid papers, sparking outrage. He returned to Mogadishu vowing to chase his dream again in 2030.
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Protests in Mexico threatened to disrupt Thursday’s opener between Mexico and South Africa, though President Claudia Sheinbaum insisted the match would proceed.
On the pitch, Lionel Messi eased injury fears with a goal in Argentina’s 3-0 warm-up win over Iceland, setting the stage for his sixth World Cup.
