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Thousands of protesters block access to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium ahead of 2026 World Cup opening match
via SeneNews1 min read
Thousands of protesters have blocked access to Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, the venue for the 2026 World Cup opening ceremony and match on Thursday. The demonstrations, led by a dissident group of the CNTE education union, are demanding better salary conditions and pension reform. The protests, which began last week, include blocking avenues and destroying statues related to the World Cup. President Claudia Sheinbaum described the protests as a "provocation" but has not yet ordered police intervention.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadSomali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States on Saturday, stated on Tuesday to the New York Times that he does not know why he was refused entry, lamenting that "the biggest dream of his life" was shattered. Artan, 34, was designated referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football in 2025 and was set to be the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup final phase. He said he had the correct documents and visa, and showed FIFA documents and career photos to immigration officers. Artan reported being questioned for eleven hours before being held in a detention cell for several hours, then put on a return flight to Istanbul without being told the reasons for the denial. He believes the issue might be related to his country, as Somalia is among several nations whose citizens face travel restrictions to the United States under the Donald Trump administration. U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBP stated that on June 6, a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul and, following additional inspection, was deemed inadmissible due to "background check issues" and denied entry. The incident has caused outrage in Somalia, with the Ministry of Youth and Sports defending Artan's "integrity" and regretting that his expulsion could not be reversed despite "intense diplomatic efforts and negotiations." FIFA stated it cannot intervene in host countries' immigration procedures.
The Republic of Congo has officially appointed Claude Le Roy as the national coach of the Red Devils, with former Senegalese international Omar Daf named as assistant coach. The Ministry of Sports, Youth, and Civic Education announced these appointments on June 9, 2026. The official contract signing ceremony is scheduled for June 22 in Brazzaville, to be presided over by the Minister in charge of Sports, and attended by the President of the Congolese Football Federation, Henri Ndzianga, among other sports officials. This new sports project aims to initiate a new cycle focused on rebuilding the national team, strengthening technical supervision, and fostering closer ties between the Red Devils and their supporters. The primary mission for the new technical staff is to prepare for upcoming international competitions, with a priority objective of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The project also emphasizes improving the team's competitiveness, discipline, and promoting local talent. Omar Daf, 49, continues his coaching career after playing internationally for Senegal. He has managed several clubs in France, including FC Sochaux and Amiens SC, and holds the Professional Football Coach's Certificate BEPF and a UEFA License. He was also part of the Lions' coaching staff during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House team organizing the World Cup, stated on Tuesday that the denial of entry to a Somali referee and the refusal of visas to Iranian team officials were for "good reasons." Somali referee Omar Artan was turned away upon arrival despite holding a US entry visa, with FIFA later announcing he would not officiate. Additionally, about fifteen members of the Iranian team's staff were denied US visas. Giuliani noted that 35 teams have entered the US without issue, and no players or coaches have been denied access. He emphasized that the exclusions were to prevent "malicious actors from coming into the country under the guise of the World Cup," which begins on Thursday. While unable to provide specific details on Artan's case, Giuliani mentioned discussions with the Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, and the head of Customs and Border Protection. CBP justified Artan's denial due to "background check issues." Regarding the Iranian officials, Giuliani stated that while all Iranian team coaching staff can enter, some officials cannot, again for "very good reasons." He suggested that some individuals claiming to be coaches might not be, possibly including those "working directly with the Revolutionary Guards." Due to visa uncertainties stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the Iranian team relocated its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, despite playing its group matches in the United States.