Football/ Somali referee Omar Artan blocked from US, loses World Cup spot
Omar Artan, the first Somali ever selected to officiate a men’s World Cup, has been removed from the referee list for the 2026 tournament after US authorities denied him entry.
The 2025 CAF men’s referee of the year was stopped at Miami International Airport and is now in Türkiye .
US immigration officials have given no official reason, though Somalia is among several nations on a travel ban imposed by the Trump administration.
FIFA confirmed Artan will miss the June–July tournament, stating that host countries control visa and entry decisions.
A Somali official said Artan held valid documents, including a diplomatic passport issued to ease prior visa troubles.
Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, backed the decision, saying customs acted correctly.
Despite the setback, Artan struck a positive tone: “I thank FIFA and CAF for their support. I wish my colleagues success at the World Cup.”
The Somali Football Federation has asked FIFA for urgent clarification. Artan had been one of 52 referees selected for the finals across Canada, Mexico, and the US.
