The referee, Omar Artan, was turned away by immigration officials in Miami, but the governing body for soccer in Europe said he would officiate a high-profile club match in September.

"Artan has established himself as one of the world’s top referees," UEFA said in a statement announcing the selection.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — A World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States was received by a crowd of supporters and officials Wednesday as he arrived in Somalia’s capital of Mogadishu,

FIFA has introduced several changes to the laws of soccer for the World Cup. These include efforts to eliminate time-wasting and to ensure potentially game-changing officiating mistakes are corrected.

By Faisal Ali MOGADISHU, June 10 (Reuters) - Somali soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returned home to a hero's welcome on Wednesday after being barred from entering the U.S. for the World Cup, describing the decision as a matter of "fate" and urging his fellow Somalis not to lose heart over it.

A former referee has urged FIFA to pay Omar Artan a "life-changing" money for banning him to enter the USA for the 2026 World Cup.

VAR will again take center stage this summer. Here's what to know about how it works and what's new for the 2026 World Cup.

June 9 (Reuters) - Brazilian referee Wilton Sampaio will take charge of the opening match of the FIFA World Cup between Mexico and South Africa, leading a three-man Brazil team for the curtain-raiser in Mexico City.