Somalia’s Top Referee Barred from 2026 World Cup Following US Visa Denial

FIFA has confirmed that one of Africa’s most prominent match officials will be unable to participate in the World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.

Omar Artan, who was poised to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup, was forced to return to Istanbul after being turned away at Miami International Airport.

A FIFA spokesperson stated that Artan—named CAF’s referee of the year for 2025—would miss the tournament, noting: “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 governing body further clarified that “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications,” adding that the host government maintains final authority over visa issuance and entry permissions.

Despite Somalia’s presence on the US travel ban list, Artan believed he held a valid visa to work within the country. However, a spokesperson for US Customs and Border Protection explained that Artan underwent “additional inspection” upon his arrival on Saturday.

The agency stated: “Following inspection, the traveller, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”

The decision has drawn significant criticism, including from the Somali government. Ciise Aden Abshir, an advisor to the sports ministry, told AFP: “Omar is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community.”

Abshir added that preventing Artan from officiating “harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit and the spirit of fair play.”

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