Somali World Cup referee denied US entry

Somali referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being denied entry into the United States. World governing body FIFA confirmed the decision, stating that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be removed from its roster for the tournament.

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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.

A FIFA spokesperson explained that the organization is not involved in host country immigration processes. "FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present," the spokesperson said. "In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."

Artan, who has experience officiating at the Africa Cup of Nations, was reportedly denied entry at Miami International Airport last weekend. This incident occurs while Somalia is listed among countries whose citizens face a travel ban into the United States, a policy implemented last June.

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FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present.

The situation also echoes concerns raised by the Iranian team, whose support staff have faced similar entry denials. While Iranian players have secured visas, 12 members of their support staff have been barred from entering the U.S. for the tournament, with the team planning to base themselves in Mexico.

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In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.