Somali referee Omar Artan has been removed from the 2026 World Cup officiating list after US immigration officials denied him entry at Miami International Airport.
Fifa confirmed that Artan, the 2025 CAF Men’s Referee of the Year, will not train or officiate at the tournament in the US, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament runs June 11 to July 19.
“Fifa is not involved in host country immigration processes,” the body said in a statement, adding that US authorities informed it Artan’s status would not change.
No official reason was given for the denial. However, Somalia is among countries on a travel ban list reintroduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.
A senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports said Artan was traveling with valid documents, including a diplomatic passport issued to ease travel.
Artan, 40, became a Fifa referee in 2018 and has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations. He was one of 52 referees initially named by Fifa for the 2026 finals.
The Somali Football Federation has asked FIFA for urgent clarification.
Somali Referee Artan Dropped From 2026 World Cup After US Entry Denial
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