Award-winning Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry to the United States, ending what would have been a historic milestone for both the official and Somali football.
Artan had been selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament, becoming the first referee from Somalia ever chosen for a World Cup finals. However, his journey was cut short after US authorities refused him entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport.
The 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year was subsequently removed from FIFA’s list of tournament officials. Reports indicate that Artan is currently in Turkey following his departure from the United States.
No official explanation has been provided by US immigration authorities regarding the decision. Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by the administration of US President Donald Trump.
FIFA confirmed that Artan will not take part in the competition after discussions with American authorities. The governing body stated that the referee would be unable to train or officiate at the World Cup because he had been denied entry into the host country.
The situation has sparked disappointment across the football community, with many pointing to Artan’s remarkable rise from difficult circumstances to the highest level of international officiating. His appointment had been widely celebrated as a landmark achievement for Somali football and a source of pride for the country’s sporting community.
FIFA also noted that immigration and visa decisions remain the responsibility of the host nation, adding that the organization does not participate in the adjudication of entry requests.
Artan’s absence means the World Cup will proceed without one of Africa’s most highly regarded referees, despite his original selection for the tournament.