Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan barred from 2026 World Cup
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan barred from 2026 World Cup

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not feature at this summer’s World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, world soccer’s governing body FIFA confirmed on Monday.

According to several reports, a US Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said Artan received additional inspection after arriving in Miami from Istanbul. “Upon arrival in Miami from Istanbul, Artan was selected for additional inspection,” said a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) spokesperson. “CBP officers thoroughly inspect everyone who arrives in the United States.”

“During this process, officers determined they needed to verify additional information or determine if he would be allowed into the U.S. After completing the inspection, officers found Artan inadmissible for reasons related to vetting and denied him entry,” the statement continued.

Somalia is one of 39 countries which fall under the Trump administration’ That did not elaborate as to why Artan had been denied entry to the country, but nationals from those countries have historically faced extra screening when trying to enter the US.

Artan was recently named Africa’ best male referee in 20plusFive and had been chosen by the Confederation of African Football to referee at the World Cup this summer. A FIFA spokesperson told ESPN FC that: “FIFA is not involved in immigration procedures or visa decisions by the host country.

We have been assured that his status will not change at this point and are monitoring the situation closely. Ultimately it is up to the host government to decide who gets a visa and who is allowed into their country.”

Last month Iran also had travel problems into the United States due to tough immigration restrictions enforced by the Trump administration.

Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj told semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA that the Iranian soccer team were allowed into the US for this summer’ He said they were given permission one day before their opening game kicking off, which led to claims they were being discriminated against.

Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei said following the game that several management team members, along with media staff and the team’s executive director, still haven’t been granted access to attend the tournament.

Morocco and Norway end in a tie ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco and Norway end in a tie ahead of the 2026 World Cup opener

An early goal from Brahim Diaz was not enough as Morocco and Norway tied 1-1 in Morocco’s last friendly before the 2026 World Cup.

Morocco started strong and skillfully moved the ball in the first few minutes at Sports Illustrated Stadium, therefore playing well. In the eighth minute, their pressure paid off when Brahim Diaz scored following excellent work from Abde Ezzalzouli.

From the start, Ezzalzouli was busy creating problems on the left wing with his quickness. His assist for Diaz demonstrated Morocco’s offensive prowess as they looked sharp.

Norway took control as the game progressed, with Erling Haaland leading the attack and Martin Ødegaard dominating midfield. Morocco faced a setback before halftime when Ezzalzouli was injured, prompting concerns among fans about his replacement, Soufiane Rahimi.

Despite this disappointment, Morocco fought hard in the second half, while Coach Mohamed Ouahbi made changes to manage player fatigue. Norway equalised in the 76th minute with Ødegaard’s goal, assisted by Oscar Bobb, resulting in a 1–1 draw.

Morocco had mixed feelings about the outcome, with standout performances from Diaz and Ezzalzouli overshadowed by injury concerns ahead of their challenging World Cup opener against Brazil on June 13.

Sierra Leone edge Liberia in first leg friendly in Bo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone edge Liberia in first-leg friendly in Bo

On Saturday, Sierra Leone defeated Liberia 1-0 in an International Friendly played at the Southern Arena in Bo City.

Liberia’s Lone Star began a new chapter under head coach Mohammed Erradi, but his debut ended in disappointment with a loss in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone.

Before the game, fans at the stadium welcomed the new Leone Stars head coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa. His first main job is to lead Sierra Leone in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The game between the two West African teams from the Mano River sub-region lived up to expectations as Leone Stars defeated their arch-rivals, Liberia.

The goal came in the 66th minute from Sierra Leone defender Abdul Jarju Kabia, who opened the score sheet on a pass from the left wing. Liberia searched in the second half, as they looked for an equaliser, but to no avail, as Sierra Leone’s defence stood tall for the win.

Fans at home gave Sierra Leone fans the reason to celebrate, and Abdul Jarju Kabia’s goal showed class and depth in the Leone Stars Squad. The win could not come at a better time for Sierra Leone heading into the return leg in Monrovia Liberia on June 9th.

Sierra Leone edge Liberia in first leg friendly in Bo
Sierra Leone edge Liberia in first leg friendly in Bo
Belgium thrash Tunisia pre-World Cup warm up match
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Belgium thrash Tunisia in pre-World Cup warm-up match

The Tunisia national team concluded their final warm-up match on Saturday with a 0-5 defeat to Belgium in Brussels. Tunisia were outclassed by Belgium’s quality.

Leandro Trossard scored the opener during the first half. In the second half, goals from Charles de Ketelaare, Kevin de Bruyne, Dodi Lukebakio and Nicolas Raskin rounded off the score.

Tunisia started the match relatively well with a few changes from their previous match against Austria. They managed to keep strong for the opening twenty minutes, but it didn’t take long for Belgium to settle into the game and gain confidence.

Belgium went ahead after 28 minutes when Jérémy Doku made a nice run down the wing before crossing the ball into the box for Trossard to slot home easily.

De Ketelaare doubled the Belgium lead after 53 minutes when he met Youri Tielemans cross with a good header. Tunisia had spells of coming forward after De Ketelaare’s goal. Mohamed Belhadj’s strike from distance forced Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois into a decent save and Elias Achouri later struck the post.

That proved to be the closest Tunisia came until the end of the game as Belgium dominated from thereon out. Tunisia were reduced to ten men when Ismaël Gharbi picked up a second yellow card shortly after the hour mark.

The depleted Tunisia defence couldn’t cope with Belgium’s pressure. De Bruyne scored soon after Gharbi was shown a straight red card before Belgium scored another two goals through Lukebakio and Raskin in the closing ten minutes.

The Tunisian side will now jet off to Mexico where they will play their first two World Cup matches. They take on Sweden on June 14 and Japan on June 20 in Monterrey. They will then return to the US to face the Netherlands on June 25 in Kansas City to round off Group F.

The Pharaohs of Egypt set for pre-World Cup friendly against Brazil
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

The Pharaohs of Egypt set for pre-World Cup friendly against Brazil

Egypt will take on Brazil at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio this Saturday. It’s Egypt’ toughest game to date before the World Cup kicks off next month as they look to gear up for Brazil’s five World Cup titles.

Saturday’s friendly is both nations’ final tune-up before they head to North America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mohamed Salah and co delighted home fans with their 1-0 win over Russia in Cairo on Tuesday night and arrived confident after thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 while drawing with Spain earlier in March during the international break.

Egypt have kept four clean sheets in a row so far in their preparations for the World Cup and will need to keep that going if they want a chance of progressing from a tough-looking Group G.

Egypt will go into battle against Belgium, New Zealand and Iran knowing their defence will need to keep tight while hoping Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan can find the back of the net consistently if they are to succeed in the United States and Canada.

Egypt last featured at a World Cup back in 2018 and has previously been there for the 1934 and 1990 tournaments. Should they beat expectations, they would be making their fourth appearance at the football’ showpiece tournament.

Egypt qualified for the World Cup with ease, winning eight and drawing two of their last ten matches, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two. Head coach Hossam Hassan, appointed on February 20, 2024, has achieved 21 wins, six draws, and three losses. Right-back Mohamed Hany noted that Egypt is focused on their upcoming game against Brazil.

Brazil, ranked sixth globally and the most successful World Cup nation, has struggled to advance past the quarter-finals in four of the last five tournaments.

Despite a recent 6-2 win over Panama, they faced defeats to Japan and France. Neymar will miss the match against Egypt due to injury, though defenders Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhães are available to play.

Brazil holds a 6-0 advantage in their overall record against Egypt. Tickets for Saturday’s game in Ohio are still available, with over 40,000 fans expected. Both Mohamed Salah and Vinicius Junior will start, as Egypt faces Belgium and Brazil takes on Morocco on June 15th.

Sierra Leone appoint French-born Didier Gomes Da Rosa
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone appoint French-born Didier Gomes Da Rosa

Sierra Leone has appointed Didier Gomes Da Rosa as the new head coach of the Leone Stars. His first major task is to guide Sierra Leone to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) announced this on Friday, ahead of the 2027 qualifiers in the race to qualify for East Africa, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

SLFA’s president, Babadi Kamara, confirmed that his salary is lower than what local coaches requested. “In as much as I’ll not disclose his exact figures, but I want to assure you all that what we agreed on is less than what we have been asking for locally.”

Da Rosa has previously managed the Botswana national football team. He has had success at various clubs in Africa, winning league titles with Rayon Sports F.C. in 2013 and Coton Sport FC de Garoua in 2014 and 2015. He also won the Cameroonian Cup with Coton Sport.

Gomes’ focus now is to help Sierra Leone qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. This will be a special tournament as it is the first time it will be hosted by multiple countries in East Africa.

Gomes started his coaching career in 2008 in France, managing teams such as AS Roquebrune Cap Martin, ES Fos-sur-Mer, and AS Cannes until 2011.

The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) announced this on Friday ahead of the 2027 qualifiers in the race to qualify in East Africa, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) announced this on Friday ahead of the 2027 qualifiers in the race to qualify in East Africa, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Algeria impresses in win against the Netherlands in an international friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Algeria stun the Netherlands in World Cup warm-up 

A goal from winger Anis Hadj Moussa gave Algeria an unlikely 1-0 win over the Netherlands on Wednesday in a World Cup warm-up.

Hadj Moussa, who plays for Dutch club Feyenoord, shot strongly into the top corner four minutes from time. Algeria were grateful for the victory, especially with many friends and family watching on in De Kuip where the winger plays his club football.

“It’s deserved after a very good second half,” Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi told Dutch broadcasters after the game. “It’s frustrating. It ruined their farewell game before they went off to New York.”

Hadj Moussa’s goal was his first for Algeria. Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk was left frustrated after the game. “Of course, you don’t want this in a farewell game,” he said. “We should be further ahead than 1-0, at least two goals. We need to work at it and get sharp again. We’ve got another game in a few days, so we need to use it positively.”

Van Dijk added: “It’s great for most of the guys to have played some minutes, but we don’t play to lose games of course.”

Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who has been playing with a mask over the lower half of his face following injuries in April, made a number of smart stops throughout the game. It will ease concerns over his place in the team, which has been under scrutiny recently.

The Netherlands will face Uzbekistan in a friendly on Monday night in New York before flying out to Kansas City. They face Japan in their World Cup opener in Group F on June 14 in Dallas.

Algeria begin their World Cup campaign against World Cup champions Argentina in Group J on June 16 in Kansas City. They face Bolivia in their final warm-up game on Wednesday in Kansas City.

Hugo Broos’ South Africa side ready for stiff Jamaica friendly
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hugo Broos’ South Africa side ready for stiff Jamaica friendly

South Africa will play a competitive friendly match against Jamaica on Friday night in Pachuca, Mexico, as they look to fine-tune ahead of their much-anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Bafana Bafana of South Africa is confident of putting in a good performance following their return to football’s biggest stage after many years away. Hugo Broos’ side will be looking to snap their current winless run and head into their tournament with momentum following their opening game against World Cup hosts Mexico.

Having picked up two draws and suffered two defeats in their past four games. Many see this final warm-up match as a great opportunity to boost morale and preparation as well as sharpen up before the World Cup starts.

The Belgian head coach is expected to name his strongest side possible ahead of kickoff. However, there is one omission as Aubrey Modiba will miss the game for precautionary reasons.

Samukele Kabini and Bradley Cross will benefit from the midfielder’s absence, gaining more game time and valuable minutes on the field as they look to force their way into Broos’ plans against Mexico.

Guests Jamaica are a team on the rebound after finishing runners-up to Nigeria in the Unity Cup with a 3-0 loss. Ranked 71 in the world, the Reggae Boyz failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

In their last three matches, they’ve only tasted victory once and have struggled for consistency. Interim head coach Rudolph Speid has called up a young and inexperienced squad. He has rested several of his Europe-based stars, such as Leon Bailey and Demarai Grey, following a hectic club season.

Clearly, Jamaica are taking a breather and fielding their youngsters against some of Africa’s best talents. It will only be the sixth time these two sides meet, with South Africa unbeaten in the previous five, with one win and four draws. That was a 2-0 friendly victory in Germany back in April 20.

Defender Baba Rahman is optimistic about improving Ghana's performance
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Defender Baba Rahman is optimistic about improving Ghana’s performance

Ghana defender Baba Rahman believes performances from the Black Stars team will improve at next year’s World Cup Finals tournament.

It was not the perfect build-up to next year’s World Cup for the Ghana national team as they played Wales to a goalless draw. Ghana opened the scoring early on, but the Dragons managed to hit back with just three minutes left on the clock.

“I’m gutted we could not get the win last night, but this is a marathon, not a sprint. We will get there. This group will give everything for this precious shirt. God bless our homeland Ghana,” Baba Rahman posted after the game on social media.

The former Chelsea player played the second half after skipping out in 2023.

Ghana will become the lowest-ranked nation at the 2026 World Cup, beginning their Group L campaign against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, Canada, ranked 73rd in the world. England is ranked fourth, while their other group rivals, Croatia, are ranked 11th, and Panama are ranked 33rd.

Their second game against former champions England will take place in Foxboro, Massachusetts six days later with a final game against the 2018 runners- up to conclude Group L fixtures on June 27.

Morocco Heads to the U.S. for Final World Cup Preparations
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Morocco Heads to the U.S. for Final World Cup Preparations

Ahead of their final training camp, Morocco has left for their final destination as they look to make their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

The Atlas Lions departed Rabat‑Salé Airport having enjoyed a successful training camp in Morocco that saw them defeat Madagascar 4-0 to give themselves a huge confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.

The fixture was played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Monday, and Brahim scored one after coming on as a substitute in the 81st minute.

Morocco scored the fourth goal of the game when Brahim blasted a shot against the post from outside the box and El Kaabi tapped in. Saibairi had opened the scoring and then scored his second two minutes before halftime, while Rahimi added Morocco’s third from the penalty spot.

Mohamed Ouahbi’s side will fine-tune their plans once they’re based in America, when they take on Norway in a friendly on June 7 before the tournament kicks off for them.

Morocco’s fixtures at the World Cup start on June 13 when they take on Brazil at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before taking on Scotland four days later on June 19. They’ll face Haiti in their final game before the knockouts begin on June 24.