Somali World Cup referee denied entry to US days before tournament

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry to the United States and deported to Turkey just days before the tournament begins, reports said.

Artan, one of Africa’s most prominent referees and the Confederation of African Football’s Referee of the Year for 2025, had been chosen as one of seven African referees for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals, Artan reportedly held a valid U.S. visa upon arrival. However, U.S. authorities refused him entry and returned him to Turkey. No official explanation has been provided.

Artan had previously faced difficulties obtaining travel documents and received support from Somalia’s embassy in Nairobi, including a diplomatic passport, according to officials.

Somalia is among countries affected by U.S. travel restrictions introduced under former President Donald Trump, though it remains unclear whether those measures played a role in the decision.

A FIFA representative had earlier told Kenya-based outlet The Eastleigh Voice that Artan’s visa issues had been resolved and that he would be available for the World Cup.

Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports expressed concern over the incident. Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser at the ministry, said Artan is “among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community.”

FIFA and U.S. immigration authorities have not issued official statements regarding the case.