Somalian Referee Denied Entry Into US Ahead Of 2026 World Cup Despite Valid Visa
Somalian Referee Denied Entry Into US Ahead Of 2026 World Cup Despite Valid Visa
The development comes amid growing scrutiny over US visa policies affecting participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first official from Somalia to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, has been denied entry into the United States despite possessing a valid visa, according to Somali sports authorities.
The development comes amid growing scrutiny over US visa policies affecting participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
According to AFP, Artan was stopped at Miami International Airport and denied entry into the United States. The reason for the decision was not immediately disclosed. However, Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser at Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, told AFP.
Abshir said Artan held a valid U.S. visa and has since returned to Istanbul, Turkey, where he had been residing.
“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 added.
Artan was among the 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate matches during the June-July 2026 World Cup.
The Somali official has been officiating in Somalia’s domestic football league since becoming a FIFA-accredited referee in 2018. He also officiated at the 2023 African Cup of Nations and, in 2025, was named Men’s Referee of the Year by the Confederation of African Football.
In April, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan after he became the first Somali referee selected to officiate at a World Cup finals.
“I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis,” Mohamud said.
The incident is likely to intensify concerns over access to the 2026 World Cup for participants from countries facing U.S. travel restrictions.
The controversy follows recent complaints from Iran over visa-related issues involving members of its national football team ahead of the tournament.
As previously reported by SaharaReporters, Iranian officials accused the United States of failing to fulfil its obligations as a World Cup host after several members of the country’s football delegation were reportedly denied visas.
The Iranian Embassy in South Africa had criticised Washington, stating: “The incompetent FIFA World Cup host, USA, is failing to fulfill its responsibilities properly.”
The embassy added: “We are guests of FIFA, and it is FIFA’s responsibility to ensure that visas for all members are issued.”
The dispute prompted arrangements for Iran’s national team to temporarily operate from the Mexican border city of Tijuana during the tournament after concerns emerged about the team’s ability to remain in the United States between matches.
Artan’s denial of entry is expected to raise further questions about FIFA’s ability to guarantee equal access for players, officials and accredited personnel participating in the 2026 World Cup.
