Top African Referee Omar Artan Out of World Cup After U.S. Entry Denial

FIFA has confirmed that Somalia’s top referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States despite reportedly holding a valid visa.

According to FIFA and multiple international reports, Artan was stopped at Miami International Airport and declared inadmissible following additional inspection by U.S. authorities, who cited “vetting concerns.”

The decision means the highly rated official, who was named Africa’s best referee at the 2025 CAF Awards, will miss what would have been his World Cup debut.

Somalia’s Ministry of Sports confirmed that the referee travelled with valid documentation and expressed disappointment over the outcome, noting efforts were made to resolve the issue diplomatically.

FIFA stated that while Artan had been selected among elite referees for the tournament, it has no control over immigration decisions made by host countries.

The development has sparked widespread debate within the global football community, especially in Africa, where Artan is regarded as one of the continent’s most respected match officials.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but the controversy has raised fresh concerns over travel and visa access for officials and participants.