US Denies Entry to Somali Referee Designated for 2026 World Cup, Deported to Turkey

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a 33-year-old Somali referee selected by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup, faces a significant setback after being denied entry to the United States and deported to Turkey. This prevents him from participating in a historic milestone as the first Somali to officiate a World Cup match.

Artan, who obtained his FIFA license in 2018, has built a strong resume officiating in competitions such as African qualifiers, the Africa Cup of Nations, and the CAF Champions League. His exclusion from the tournament marks a controversial turn of events.

The decision to deny Artan entry could be influenced by past remarks from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously accused Somalis of making fraudulent immigration claims and used derogatory language. The incident highlights potential immigration policy impacts on international sporting events.