Omar Artan, the first Somali referee to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has been denied entry to the United States.
The 37‑year‑old, who was named CAF men's referee of the year in 2025, was barred from boarding a flight to Miami and is currently in Turkey.
No official reason was given; U.S. immigration officials cited the travel‑ban list that includes Somalia. Artan had a valid diplomatic passport issued to smooth his travel.
FIFA confirmed that Artan will miss the tournament. “We have been informed that his status will not change at present,” the governing body said.
Somali officials in Nairobi and the Somali Football Federation have sought clarification, while Somali embassy staff confirm the passport was specifically meant to ease travel.
World Cup organisers noted that the United States, Canada, and Mexico jointly host the event from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
Artan has been a FIFA referee since 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Source: BBC Sport, 8 June 2026.
