Somali World Cup Referee Misses Historic Opportunity After U.S. Entry Denial

A referee from Somalia who had been selected to officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup will no longer take part in the tournament after being denied entry into the United States, according to information reported by France 24.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, a FIFA-certified referee and one of the officials chosen for the 2026 World Cup, arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday. However, following an inspection by U.S. authorities, he was not allowed to enter the country and was subsequently prevented from joining the tournament.

A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that Artan was found inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry into the United States. No additional details regarding those concerns were publicly provided.

The decision has drawn attention because Artan had been selected among 52 referees assigned to work during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His appointment was widely viewed as a landmark achievement for Somali football. According to reports, he would have become the first official from Somalia to referee at a FIFA World Cup.

FIFA confirmed that immigration and visa decisions are handled by host countries and are outside the organization’s authority. The governing body stated that it does not participate in immigration procedures or visa adjudication processes conducted by national governments.

Artan has built a strong reputation in international football over recent years. He has served as a FIFA referee since 2018 and was recognized as the Confederation of African Football’s Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025. His selection for the World Cup was considered a significant milestone both for his career and for Somali sports.

The situation comes as Somalia remains among the countries affected by travel restrictions introduced during the Trump administration. A senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports told France 24 that Artan was traveling with a valid U.S. visa when he arrived for the tournament.

Somali officials have since sought clarification regarding the decision. Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to the ministry, said authorities were working through diplomatic channels and attempting to better understand the circumstances surrounding the denial of entry.

Despite the setback, Artan expressed a positive outlook. In remarks provided to France 24, he said he remained in good spirits and accepted the outcome. He also extended his best wishes to the referees who will participate in the tournament and said he looks forward to future opportunities in international football.

The development represents a disappointing end to what could have been a historic World Cup appearance for Somalia. While the tournament will proceed with its selected group of match officials, Artan’s absence has become one of the most talked-about stories surrounding preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Sources

• France 24
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• FIFA
• Somalia Ministry of Youth and Sports