Somali referee Omar Artan blocked from US before 2026 World Cup assignment

Preparations for the 2026 World Cup have been hit by an unexpected immigration issue after Somali match official Omar Artan was refused entry to the United States, even though FIFA had selected him to work at the tournament.

Artan, named the 2025 Confederation of African Football Men’s Referee of the Year, was intercepted at Miami International Airport and subsequently sent out of the country. He is currently in Turkey, with the matter still not settled.

US immigration officials have not given a public reason for the decision. Somalia, however, is one of the countries covered by travel restrictions brought in under President Donald Trump’s administration.

FIFA included Artan among 52 referees appointed for the World Cup, scheduled to be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 12 to July 19.

Artan has been on FIFA’s refereeing list since 2018. He has taken charge of games at the Africa Cup of Nations and in Somalia’s domestic football. His denied entry is likely to draw scrutiny as organisers prepare a large, international officiating panel for the tournament.