Worst World Cup ever? Alex Mwakideu raises concerns over US hosting challenges
By Paulette Mboga, June 9, 2026Radio host Alex Mwakideu has raised concerns about challenges surrounding the 2026 World Cup in the United States, saying the tournament has already attracted several issues before it begins.
Speaking on the matter on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, he pointed to restrictions affecting some participants and questioned how the situation could affect the competition.
According to Mwakideu, one of the concerns involves Iran. He explained that reports are suggesting the country’s team could face restrictions linked to their stay during the tournament period.
“Hii World Cup ya marekani by the way imeleta issues kibao,” Mwakideu said.
He went on to give an example involving Iran, saying the team had been told that after playing their matches, they would stay in Mexico instead of remaining in the United States.
“Unajua kama Iran kwa mfano wameambiwa kabisa mnacheza mkirudi. Mtakua mnakaa Mexico,” Mwakideu explained.
The media personality also spoke about a Somali referee whom he said had been selected by FIFA to officiate matches during the World Cup. He described the official as a young referee who had been given a major opportunity on the global stage.
Concerns over tournament restrictions
Mwakideu identified the referee as Omar Artan. He said FIFA had chosen him to handle World Cup matches, but claimed there were obstacles regarding his entry into the United States.
“Kuna referee msomali ameambiwa kabisa hautaingia America,” Mwakideu said.
While discussing the issue, he noted that Omar Artan is a young official from Somalia and described him as a rising referee who had earned recognition from FIFA.
“FIFA imemchagua referee kabisa kutoka Somalia, kijana mdogo. Kijana chipukeezy. Anaitwa Omar Artan,” he explained.
Mwakideu further claimed that despite being selected for World Cup duties, the referee had been told he would not be allowed into the United States.
“FIFA imesema wewe utasimamia mechi za world cup, America imesema hautakanyaga America,” Mwakideu said.
He added that football remains a sport enjoyed by many people around the world, but said the competition is facing several challenges linked to restrictions and other issues.
As he concluded his remarks, Mwakideu suggested that the situation had become complicated and noted that some people were already describing it in negative terms.
“Kimeumana kweli, watu wanasema it is the worst World Cup ever,” Mwakideu said.