FIFA 26: Somali referee Omar Artan barred from entering United States, ruled out of World Cup

Somali match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry into the United States, forcing him to miss his scheduled role at the FIFA World Cup 2026, according to world football’s governing body.

Artan, who was due to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals, was stopped at Miami International Airport and subsequently returned to Turkey, where he is currently staying. No official explanation has been provided by US immigration authorities for his removal.

The decision means the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year will not participate in the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

FIFA confirms withdrawal from tournament

In a statement, FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer be part of the officiating panel.

“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,” the organisation said.

It added that visa and entry decisions fall under the authority of host governments, noting that it had been informed by US officials that his status would not be changed.

FIFA said it does not intervene in immigration or visa processes, which remain the responsibility of host nations.

Travel restrictions under scrutiny

Reports indicate that Somalia is included among countries affected by US travel restrictions introduced under President Donald Trump’s administration, although no direct link to Artan’s case has been officially confirmed.

A senior adviser at Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports said Artan was travelling with valid documentation at the time of his arrival. A Somali embassy official in Nairobi also said the referee had been issued a diplomatic passport to facilitate international travel after earlier visa complications.

The Somali Football Federation has formally contacted FIFA seeking clarification over the decision.

Speaking to BBC World Service, Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, defended the move, saying border authorities had acted appropriately.

Rising career in refereeing cut short

Artan, a FIFA-listed referee since 2018, has officiated at major continental tournaments including the Africa Cup of Nations. He also serves in Somalia’s national league and had been widely regarded as a landmark appointment for the upcoming World Cup.

His exclusion has sparked disappointment within Somali football circles, where he was seen as a symbol of progress for refereeing standards in the country.