US Denies Entry to FIFA-Selected Somali Referee Days Before World Cup 2026
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, Africa's best male referee in 2024, was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport and will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup, despite holding a valid US visa according to Somali officials. The denial raises questions about how Trump administration travel restrictions will affect World Cup participation, particularly for African nations and officials. The incident has prompted congressional scrutiny and broader concerns about visa processing delays and rejections affecting players, staff, and fans from multiple countries.
FIFA-selected referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from Somalia was stopped by US Customs and Border Protection at Miami International Airport and returned to Istanbul, with authorities citing "vetting concerns" as the reason for inadmissibility. A senior adviser to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports stated Artan held a valid US visa, while FIFA confirmed he will be unable to officiate at the 2026 World Cup and that his status will not change at present. The denial reflects broader visa processing challenges affecting World Cup participants: Iran's team faces heavily restricted permits, several players from South Africa and Switzerland experienced delays, and fans from Ghana and Morocco reported mass rejections despite having purchased tickets. Somalia is among countries subject to strict Trump administration travel restrictions, and as of January 2026, 30 African countries face some form of US entry restrictions. Congressional Democrats, including Rep. Rick Larsen, are demanding the denial be reversed and calling for coordination between FIFA, the White House, and immigration agencies to resolve these issues.
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US block of World Cup referee from Somalia prompts scrutiny
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