Host nation discomfort: a World Cup against the spirit of the game (opens original article in a new tab)

The 2026 World Cup faces discomfort due to the US host nation's political climate, visa issues for Global South supporters, and controversies like Somali referee Omar Artan's deportation case, highlighting tensions between football's unifying ideals and rising nationalism.

• Host nation US under Trump raises discomfort due to political rhetoric and visa issues for Global South supporters
• Referee Omar Artan from Somalia faces deportation controversy symbolizing inclusivity concerns
• World Cup's ideal of global unity contrasts with rising nationalism and anti-immigration trends
• South Africans question inclusivity as global openness declines