Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been barred from entering the United States, forcing him to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite being selected among the tournament’s match officials.
Artan, one of Africa’s most highly regarded referees, was expected to make history as the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup. However, his journey came to an abrupt end after U.S. immigration authorities denied him entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport.
According to reports, Artan had travelled from Istanbul and was in possession of a valid visa. U.S. authorities later stated that he was found inadmissible following a routine inspection, although no further details were provided regarding the decision.
The development means Artan will not be part of the World Cup officiating team despite being among the referees selected by FIFA for the global tournament.
FIFA acknowledged the situation, noting that decisions regarding entry into host countries fall under the authority of national governments and are outside the football body’s jurisdiction.
The incident has triggered concern among Somali officials and members of the football fraternity, who described the referee’s exclusion as a major setback for both Somalia and African football. Artan has earned widespread recognition in recent years, having officiated at major continental competitions and receiving accolades for his performances on the international stage.
His selection for the World Cup had been celebrated across Somalia as a milestone achievement and a symbol of the country’s growing presence in global football. The decision to deny him entry has therefore drawn disappointment from supporters who had hoped to see him represent Somalia at the sport’s biggest event.
The case has also renewed debate over immigration policies affecting visitors from countries facing heightened travel restrictions, with questions emerging about how such measures could impact international sporting events hosted by the United States.
