US denies entry to Somali referee selected for 2026 World Cup duty
Omar Artan, a Somali football referee selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has reportedly been denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa.
The development was confirmed on Monday by a senior official in Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports. Artan was turned away upon arrival at Miami International Airport and has since returned to Istanbul, where he had been residing.
While US authorities have not publicly stated the reason for the decision, Somalia is among the countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of President Donald Trump.
Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and former captain of the national football team, described the incident as a setback for both the referee and the sport.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Abshir said. He noted that Artan possessed a valid US visa and had been scheduled to officiate matches during the tournament.
According to Abshir, preventing Artan from carrying out his duties undermines football’s principles of fairness, merit, and equal opportunity.
Artan was named among the 52 match officials selected by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His selection marked a historic milestone, making him the first Somali referee chosen to officiate at football’s biggest tournament.
A FIFA-listed referee since 2018, Artan has overseen matches in Somalia’s domestic league and has built a strong reputation on the continental stage. He officiated during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and was named the Confederation of African Football’s Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.
Earlier this year, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud congratulated Artan on his World Cup appointment, praising his professionalism and integrity.
“I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,” the president said.
