Omar Artan, the Somali referee selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been denied entry into the United States, preventing him from carrying out his scheduled duties at the tournament.
Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, was reportedly stopped at Miami International Airport despite holding a valid U.S. visa. The reason for the decision has not been officially disclosed.
The development has sparked concern among sports officials in Somalia, who described Artan as one of Africa’s most respected match officials. They argued that preventing him from participating in the tournament undermines the principles of fairness, merit, and equal opportunity in football.
Following the incident, Artan returned to Istanbul, where he had been based before travelling to the United States.
The award-winning referee was among 52 officials selected by FIFA for the World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His appointment had been celebrated as a historic achievement for Somalia and a major milestone for African football.
Artan has served as a FIFA-accredited referee since 2018 and has officiated in several major continental competitions, including the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. In 2025, he was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in recognition of his outstanding performances and growing reputation across the continent.
Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, had earlier praised Artan’s World Cup selection, describing him as a source of inspiration for young Somalis and a symbol of professionalism and integrity.
The incident has generated debate within the football community as questions remain over the circumstances surrounding the referee’s denial of entry ahead of one of the sport’s biggest events.
