Somali referee barred from 2026 World Cup after US denies him entry

WASHINGTON: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been removed from officiating duties at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States, according to FIFA and US authorities.

FIFA said on Monday that Artan, who arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday, would not be able to train or officiate at the tournament. He had been set to become the first Somali referee to work at a World Cup.

In a statement to AFP, a FIFA spokesperson said:

"FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artanwill be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,"

FIFA said immigration decisions were entirely in the hands of the host country and that it had no role in visa adjudication or admission procedures. The spokesperson added:

"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.

US cites vetting concerns

A spokesperson for United States Customs and Border Protection said Artan was refused entry after a routine inspection process at the airport.

"During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP's inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility,"

Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.

Somalia is among the countries covered by a travel ban introduced by President Donald Trump's administration as part of a wider immigration crackdown.

A government adviser in Mogadishu told AFP earlier on Monday that Artan had a valid visa for the United States. Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, said Artan had returned to Istanbul after being turned back in Miami.

Abshir said:

"Omar Artan is among Africa's most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,""Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football's commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,"

Artan looks ahead

Artan said he was trying to remain focused on the future despite the setback.

"Despite the circumstances I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,"

I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.

The World Cup begins on Thursday. Artan was one of 52 referees named by FIFA for the finals to be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States. He has officiated in Somalia's national league since becoming a FIFA referee in 2018 and also handled matches at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations.

In 2025, the Confederation of African Football named him men's referee of the year. Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had praised him in April after his World Cup selection, saying:

"I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,"