Getting into the U.S to peep at this world cup is not for kids.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been removed from the officiating list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States. Its all tied to visa arrangements.
Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals, was reportedly stopped at Miami International Airport and subsequently repatriated to Turkey, where he is currently based.
The 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year was left without entry clearance, although U.S. immigration authorities have not publicly provided reasons for the decision. Somalia is among several countries affected by a travel restriction policy introduced under the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Following discussions with U.S. authorities, FIFA confirmed that Artan would not take part in the tournament.
In a statement, world football’s governing body said: “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States.”
FIFA added that it does not handle visa adjudications, noting that host nations retain final authority over entry decisions.
“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” the statement said.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
A senior adviser at Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed the development to the BBC, stating that Artan had been travelling with valid documentation. A Somali embassy official in Nairobi also said the referee had been issued a diplomatic passport to ease earlier travel complications.
Despite the setback, Artan told Reuters he remained in good spirits and focused on future opportunities, describing the situation as disappointing but not discouraging.
Phew!
