US Denies Entry to Somali Referee Selected for 2026 FIFA World Cup
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Omar Nor, Senior Editor GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 09-06-2026, 05:33AM
WASHINGTON – The United States has denied entry to a prominent Somali referee selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a move that has raised concerns over Washington’s travel restrictions and their potential impact on the global tournament.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that Omar Artan was refused entry despite holding a valid visa. Artan arrived at Miami International Airport in South Florida on Saturday but was barred from entering the country following security screening procedures.
A DHS spokesperson said Artan, one of Africa’s most highly regarded referees, was deemed inadmissible after a vetting process, but provided no further details regarding the decision.
The incident has drawn attention because Artan had been selected among FIFA’s World Cup match officials and was expected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at football’s biggest tournament.
Somalia remains among the countries affected by U.S. travel restrictions introduced under President Donald Trump, whose past remarks about Somalia and Somali immigrants have sparked controversy.
Earlier this year, Artan told Al Jazeera in an interview in Mogadishu that it would be an “honour” to appear on football’s brightest stage despite the challenges facing his home country.
The decision to deny Artan entry adds to growing scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
FIFA has not yet publicly commented on the case, while the Somali government has also remained silent, despite mounting concern among Somali sports officials and supporters who view the referee’s selection as a landmark achievement for the country.
The episode is the latest controversy surrounding travel policies linked to the World Cup, raising questions about whether athletes, officials and other accredited participants from restricted countries could face similar obstacles ahead of the tournament.
GAROWE ONLINE
