Somali referee Artan to miss World Cup after being barred from entering US

Omar Artan, poised to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup finals, has been excluded from the 2026 tournament after being denied entry into the United States. Artan, recognized as the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) men's referee of the year, encountered the entry ban upon arrival at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey. US immigration authorities have not provided a specific reason for his repatriation, though Somalia is among the countries subject to a travel ban implemented by the Trump administration. FIFA confirmed Artan's inability to participate, emphasizing that the organization does not influence host country immigration policies. A senior advisor to Somalia's ministry of youth and sports confirmed the denial, noting Artan was traveling with valid documents, including a diplomatic passport issued to facilitate his travel. The Somali Football Federation is seeking urgent clarification from FIFA regarding the situation.

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Fifa can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the Fifa World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.