In a development that has sent ripples through the global football community, award-winning Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not take part in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, after U.S. authorities barred him from entering the country, global governing body FIFA confirmed Monday.
Upon his arrival at Miami International Airport, Artan was refused entry by U.S. immigration officials, a decision FIFA says it has no ability to challenge or reverse. In an official statement provided to Agence France-Presse, a FIFA spokesperson clarified that immigration and visa rulings fall exclusively under the authority of host nation governments, a long-standing policy for all FIFA-sanctioned international events. “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 spokesperson said. “In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and approved entry into their country.”
While U.S. officials have not publicly released a reason for the entry denial, Somalia is one of the nations included in the travel restriction policy first implemented by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration. Notably, Somali government advisors confirmed Artan held a valid U.S. visa at the time of his attempt to enter the country. Following the rejection, Artan departed the U.S. and returned to Istanbul, where he had been based ahead of World Cup preparations.
Artan’s selection to the 2026 World Cup roster marked a historic milestone: he was set to become the first Somali referee ever to officiate at a men’s World Cup finals. Named to the 52-person referee panel by FIFA earlier this year, Artan has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most respected match officials. He earned FIFA certification in 2018, has overseen top-tier matches in the Somali national league, officiated at the 2023 African Cup of Nations finals, and was named the Confederation of African Football’s Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025. When his historic selection was announced earlier this year, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud publicly praised Artan, highlighting his professionalism and framing him as a symbol of inspiration for young Somalis across the globe.
Senior Somali sports officials have condemned the decision to bar Artan, arguing it undermines core principles of global football. Ciise Aden Abshir, senior advisor to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former captain of Somalia’s national men’s football team, called the outcome a blow to both Artan personally and the sport’s commitment to fairness. “Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play,” Abshir told AFP. He added that Artan deserves widespread support from the global football community for his trailblazing work to reach the highest levels of the sport.