World Cup 2026: Somali referee dropped after U.S. visa denial

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been barred from officiating at the FIFA 2026 World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, dealing a major blow to one of Africa’s most respected match officials.

FIFA confirmed on Monday that Artan, who was selected among the 52 referees for the tournament, will no longer take part in the World Cup after U.S. authorities refused him entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport on Saturday.

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FIFA Confirms Referee’s Withdrawal

“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,” a FIFA spokesperson said.

FIFA stressed that it had no influence over immigration decisions made by host nations.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country,” the statement added.

U.S. Authorities Cite Vetting Concerns

A spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan underwent additional screening during routine immigration checks before being deemed inadmissible.

“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 agency said.

Somalia remains among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under U.S. immigration policies.

Historic Opportunity Ends in Disappointment

The decision ends what would have been a historic milestone for Somali football. Artan was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup tournament.

A FIFA referee since 2018, Artan has built a strong reputation across African football. He officiated at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and was named the Confederation of African Football’s Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.

Somalia Reacts

Ciise Aden Abshir, senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, described the decision as a setback for both the official and the sport.

“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Abshir said.

He added that denying Artan entry undermined football’s values of fairness, merit and equal opportunity.

Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, had only recently praised Artan after his historic World Cup appointment, describing him as “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis.”