Somali Referee Barred from Entering US for World Cup

Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly denied entry to the United States upon arrival to officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was subsequently deported to Turkey, according to media reports.

U.S. immigration authorities have not disclosed the reasons behind the decision, and no official statement has been issued regarding the incident.

Neither FIFA nor U.S. authorities have commented on the referee's status within the tournament's selected officiating teams.

Artan is considered one of Africa's leading football referees. He officiated the 2025 CAF Champions League final and has previously been recognised as Africa's best referee, making his World Cup appointment a significant milestone for both Somali and African football officiating.

The incident has raised questions over the circumstances surrounding his exclusion as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.