Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been removed from FIFA’s 2026 World Cup officiating roster after being denied entry into the United States, ending what would have been a historic moment for Somali football.
Artan would have been the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. However, upon arriving in Miami, U.S. immigration authorities reportedly denied him entry despite his having a valid visa. Officials have not publicly disclosed the specific reasons behind the decision.
Following the incident, FIFA confirmed that Artan would no longer be part of the tournament’s officiating team. The organization noted that immigration decisions are the responsibility of host-country authorities and are beyond FIFA’s control.
The move has drawn disappointment from Somali football officials and supporters, who viewed Artan’s World Cup appointment as a major achievement for the country. Widely regarded as one of Africa’s top referees, Artan has officiated major continental competitions and was recognized among the continent’s leading match officials.
His exclusion has also raised broader concerns about travel and visa-related challenges ahead of the World Cup, which is being hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
