Top African referee refused access to US before 2026 World Cup

A top referee selected to work the 2026 World Cup was barred from entering the United States despite having a valid travel visa, according to The Guardian.

Omar Artan, a Somali official chosen by FIFA for this summer’s tournament, was reportedly stopped at Miami International Airport over the weekend.

Artan was slated to become the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup.

Somalian referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan AFP via Getty Images

The reason for the reported denial has not been made clear.

Somalia is one of the countries covered by the Trump administration’s travel ban, though it is not known whether that policy was behind the decision to refuse Artan entry.

The reported incident has sparked anger among Somali officials, who said Artan had earned his place at the tournament on merit.

Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and a former national team captain, called Artan one of Africa’s most respected referees and urged the soccer world to support him.

“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” Aden Abshir said, according to the Guardian.

Denis Bouanga is shown a yellow card by Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan during the Africa Cup of Nations AFP via Getty Images

Artan is now believed to be in Istanbul, Turkey, where he has been based in recent months.

The referee has been listed by FIFA since 2018 and has officiated at major African competitions, including the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

He was also named Africa’s best referee in 2025.

FIFA selected Artan as part of the officiating team for the expanded 2026 World Cup, which will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time and include a record 104 matches.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had previously praised Artan’s appointment, describing him as an inspiration for young Somalis.

FIFA has not said whether Artan will still be able to take part in the tournament or will be replaced.