A new controversy has emerged ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with reports that some football officials and staff have faced extended questioning and travel difficulties at U.S. airports in the days leading up to the tournament. The latest case involves Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a Somali international referee and one of Africa's prominent match officials. According to reports, Artan was denied entry into the United States upon arrival at Miami International Airport and was subsequently returned to Istanbul. Reports indicate that Artan was travelling on a diplomatic passport. However, U.S. authorities have not publicly explained the reasons for the decision, and no official statement detailing the circumstances has been released. The incident comes amid broader concerns related to travel arrangements and logistics ahead of the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The reported denial of entry has prompted questions within football circles about access and travel procedures for tournament-related personnel.

Vancouver has been ranked the best host city among the 16 cities set to stage matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to a ranking published by U.S.-based sports magazine Sports Illustrated. The publication cited Vancouver’s public transit network, walkability and moderate climate as key factors behind its top placement. Seattle ranked second on the list, while Toronto placed third. According to the ranking, Vancouver may also be a more affordable destination for fans travelling from the United States and Europe because the Canadian dollar remains weaker than the U.S. dollar and the euro. Sports Illustrated placed San Francisco at the bottom of the rankings, citing the distance between the host stadium and the city's downtown core as a significant drawback for visitors. Meanwhile, FIFA has reversed a previously announced ban on reusable water bottles inside stadiums during tournament matches. The change affects fan access policies as organizers continue preparations for the 2026 event.

The Alberta government has announced funding for five major sporting events taking place across the province this year, including four events scheduled in Edmonton and surrounding communities. According to the provincial government, $1.3 million has been provided through the Alberta Major Sport Event Grant Program to support national and international competitions. The funding also includes support for seven sporting events that were held earlier this year. Upcoming events receiving support include the North American Cup Series from June 26 to 28, the Edmonton Athletics Invitational on July 12, the U17 Women’s Canadian Fast Pitch Championship in Calgary from July 29 to Aug. 2, and the Canadian BMX Championship in St. Albert on Aug. 29 and 30. The province says more than 12,000 athletes, coaches, officials and spectators are expected to attend the events. Officials say the competitions are expected to generate economic activity while supporting sport development and tourism in host communities.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) has expanded its use of biometric boarding technology as it prepares for increased passenger volumes during the FIFA World Cup. According to airport officials, 42 biometric boarding gates are now operating across the airport. The technology is expected to speed up the boarding process by approximately 13 per cent, helping reduce wait times for travellers. The airport has also introduced new CT screening technology at security checkpoints. Under the upgraded system, passengers will no longer be required to remove liquids and large electronic devices from their bags during screening, a change aimed at improving efficiency and passenger flow. Airport officials estimate that about 2.7 million passengers will travel through YVR during the tournament period, averaging roughly 88,000 travellers per day. The projected volume represents an increase of between five and 10 per cent compared with the same period last year. Airport authorities say the technology upgrades are intended to help manage higher traffic levels while maintaining operational efficiency.

Spectators attending FIFA World Cup matches at Vancouver's BC Place Stadium will no longer be permitted to bring reusable water bottles into the venue under a new policy announced ahead of the tournament. According to FIFA, the restriction was introduced for security reasons. The organization said reusable bottles could potentially be used as projectiles, creating safety risks for spectators, staff, and participants. The change comes just before tournament play begins in Vancouver. BC Place is scheduled to host its first World Cup match on June 13, featuring Australia and Türkiye. FIFA said several other North American tournament venues already prohibit outside bottles. To help spectators manage summer temperatures, the organization said misting stations, cooling tents, and hydration stations will be available outside the stadium, while bottled water will be sold inside the venue. Some fans and environmental advocates have raised concerns about the policy, citing the potential cost of purchasing water inside the stadium and the possibility of increased plastic waste from single-use bottles.

Canada earned a 2–0 victory over Uzbekistan in an international friendly Monday evening as both teams continued preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Jonathan Osorio opened the scoring in the 58th minute, giving Canada the lead with a second-half goal in his 90th international appearance for the national team. Jayden Nelson later added a second goal to secure the win. Goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau played the opening half before Dane St. Clair took over after halftime as part of a planned rotation, according to team officials. The match served as a final tune-up ahead of the World Cup, which begins later this month. Canada is scheduled to open Group B play against Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 12 in Toronto. Uzbekistan is preparing for its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance. The team is set to begin tournament play on June 17 against Colombia in Mexico City.