FIFA confirms Somali referee Omar Artan will miss 2026 World Cup after US entry denial

The International Association of Football Federations (FIFA) has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States, ending his chance of becoming the first referee from Somalia to feature at the tournament.

Omar, who was recently named the Confederation of African Football’s Referee of the Year for 2025, was turned back after arriving at Miami International Airport and was later returned to Istanbul, Turkïye.

A spokesperson said FIFA does not take part in immigration or visa decisions in host countries, noting that it had been informed by US authorities that Omar’s status would not be changed at present.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the US. FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Omar’s status will not be changed at present,” the spokesperson said.

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

Omar reportedly believed he held a valid visa that would allow him to work in the US despite Somalia being among the countries affected by US travel restrictions.

However, US Customs and Border Protection said that after Omar underwent further checks following his arrival from Istanbul on Saturday, he was found to be inadmissible.

“On June 6, a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul International Airport. During processing, the traveller underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility. Following inspection, the traveller, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry,” it said.

CBP explained that all travellers seeking entry into the US, including athletes, coaches, and staff, are subject to CBP inspection and vetting. Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security and immigration information available at the time of inspection.

It added that officers have the authority to question travellers, conduct inspections and determine admissibility consistent with US law.

The incident has sparked concern within Somali football circles and led to calls for answers from both FIFA and US authorities.

Omar is widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees. He was recently named Africa’s Best Referee for 2025 during the Confederation of African Football Awards in Rabat, Morocco. His selection for World Cup-related assignments had been viewed as a major milestone for Somalia and African football.

Sources within the Somali Football Federation said Omar travelled with the required documents and was expected to participate in preparations connected to the tournament, which will be jointly hosted across North America.

The Somali Embassy in Nairobi had earlier said it facilitated Omar’s travel using a diplomatic passport. In a statement issued before his departure, the embassy said it had helped with the necessary travel arrangements to enable him to undertake his official assignment.

Under existing policies, many Somali nationals face limits when applying for some visa categories, although exemptions are available for diplomats and individuals whose travel is considered to be in the national interest of the US.