World Cup 2026: FIFA drops Somali referee Omar Artan after US blocks entry

Somali referee Omar Artan will miss the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, FIFA has confirmed. The world football governing body stated that Artan will be unable to train or officiate at the tournament following the decision by US authorities.

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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.

"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," FIFA said in a statement reported by BBC Sport. The organization emphasized its non-involvement in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and noted that Mr. Artan's status is not expected to change.

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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.

"In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country," the statement added. Artan, who has been on FIFA's refereeing list since 2018 and officiated at major competitions like the Africa Cup of Nations, was reportedly denied entry despite holding a valid visa. His exclusion marks a significant disappointment, as he was poised to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup finals.

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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.