Somali Referee Denied Entry to U.S. for World Cup, FIFA Confirms

By Daniel Richardson — Editor-in-Chief, Archysport

On June 8, 2026, Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States just days before the FIFA World Cup, marking a rare and controversial incident that has drawn international attention. The decision, made by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), effectively barred Artan from officiating at the tournament, despite his selection as one of the 35 referees for the event. FIFA confirmed the move, stating that the host nation retains authority over visa decisions.

Artan, the only Somali referee selected for the 2026 World Cup, arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on June 6, 2026, but was detained during routine immigration processing. CBP officials cited “additional inspection” as the reason for the delay, though no specific grounds were disclosed. The referee, who had previously served as a linesman in the CAF Champions League final, expressed disappointment but maintained a positive outlook in a statement released by FIFA.

The Incident: How the Referee Was Denied Entry

The incident unfolded when Artan, a 34-year-old official, arrived in the U.S. to prepare for the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. According to a statement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Art