Somali Referee Denied Entry to U.S. for World Cup Participation

In a significant setback for the sport, Somali referee Omar Artan, poised to become the first official from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, has been excluded from the upcoming 2026 tournament following an incident at Miami International Airport.

Artan, who earned recognition as the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, was traveling with valid credentials, including a diplomatic passport intended to streamline his earlier visa issues. However, FIFA has confirmed that he will not participate in the tournament, citing that the authority over immigration decisions rests with the host countries.

While U.S. officials did not provide any specific explanation for the decision, it is important to note that Somalia is among the nations impacted by the travel restrictions instituted during President Donald Trump’s administration. Following the incident, Artan returned to Turkey and expressed optimism, emphasizing his commitment to future competitions.