Referee Omar Artan Excluded from World Cup After US Entry Denial
Award-winning Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been excluded from officiating at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after being denied entry into the United States. The decision, made by U.S. authorities, has left many questioning the circumstances surrounding his exclusion.
FIFA confirmed that Artan would not be able to participate in the tournament, as he was refused entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport. A spokesperson for the world football governing body stated that the decision was entirely up to the host country, and that FIFA had no influence over immigration processes.
Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup, shared his experience with the New York Times. He revealed that he was detained for 11 hours and held in a cell despite claiming to have a valid visa. He also mentioned that U.S. border officials questioned him about Somali politics, which he believed may have contributed to his denial.
“I'm just a referee trying to live my biggest dream, to go to the World Cup,” Artan said. “I think they have a problem with my country.”
The United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection. According to a CBP spokesperson, the referee underwent additional screening during processing, which is a standard part of their inspection process. After the inspection, it was determined that he was inadmissible due to vetting concerns.
Somalia is one of several countries affected by a travel ban introduced during the Trump administration. While the specific reasons for Artan’s denial were not disclosed, the situation has sparked discussions about the impact of such policies on athletes and officials from affected nations.
Despite the setback, Artan expressed a positive outlook. In a statement to AFP, he said he was focused on the future and grateful for the support from the football community. “I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup,” he said. “I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”
Somalia Stands by Referee Omar Artan
The Somali government has publicly supported Artan following the incident. The Ministry of Youth and Sports issued a statement reaffirming its confidence in his integrity and professionalism. It highlighted his contributions to football both within Somalia and internationally.
Artan has been an active referee since becoming a FIFA-licensed official in 2018. He has officiated in the Somali national football league championships and was part of the Africa Cup of Nations in recent years. In 2025, he was named Men’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football.
His selection for the 2026 World Cup marked a historic milestone for Somali football. The tournament, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, will be the largest in FIFA’s history, featuring 48 teams for the first time.
President Praises Artan’s Achievements
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan in April 2023, following his historic selection to officiate at the World Cup finals. The president commended his effort, professionalism, and integrity, calling him a symbol of inspiration for the younger generation.
Looking Ahead
While Artan’s participation in the 2026 World Cup has been cut short, his career remains strong. His dedication to football and commitment to excellence have earned him recognition across the continent. As he continues to pursue his goals, the support from his country and the global football community remains unwavering.
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