Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan has been ruled out of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States, FIFA confirmed on Monday.
According to FIFA, Artan arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday but was refused admission by United States authorities following additional immigration screening. The decision means he will no longer participate in training or officiating duties at the tournament.
FIFA said it had no authority over the immigration decision, stressing that visa approvals and entry into host countries are determined solely by national authorities. A spokesperson for the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan was denied entry due to “vetting concerns” discovered during routine inspection procedures.
Artan would have become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. Somalia is among countries affected by immigration restrictions introduced under former President Donald Trump’s administration as part of broader travel and security policies.
Reacting to the development, Artan said he remained positive despite the setback and would focus on the future of his refereeing career. He also thanked the football community for their support and wished fellow officials success at the World Cup.