The participation of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan at the 2026 World Cup has been cast into uncertainty after reports emerged that he was denied entry into the United States despite earlier indications that his travel arrangements had been cleared.
Artan, who was named Africa’s Best Referee at the 2025 Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, had been selected among the officials expected to oversee matches at the expanded global tournament being staged across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
According to reports, the 34-year-old travelled from Kenya, transiting through Turkey before arriving in Miami. However, after landing in the United States, he was reportedly refused entry and placed on a return flight to Istanbul.
No official explanation has been provided for the decision, leaving uncertainty over whether the highly regarded official will be able to fulfill his 2026 World Cup duties.
The incident is particularly surprising given that FIFA had reportedly informed stakeholders only days earlier that visa-related concerns involving Artan had been resolved.
Those assurances had appeared to clear the way for the Somali official to take part in the tournament, where he was expected to become one of the most prominent referees representing African football.
Artan’s rise has been viewed as a significant achievement for Somali football. Over recent years he has built a reputation as one of the continent’s leading match officials, earning appointments at major CAF and FIFA competitions before being recognised as Africa’s top referee in 2025.
Reports indicate that Somali diplomatic officials assisted with his travel arrangements ahead of the tournament.
The Somali Embassy in Nairobi is said to have facilitated aspects of the process and helped secure documentation intended to support his entry into the United States.
The development comes against a backdrop of wider concerns surrounding visa access for some participants ahead of the World Cup.
Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced during Donald Trump’s administration, although it remains unclear whether those measures played any role in Artan’s reported case.
The situation has also revived debate over the challenges facing FIFA as it prepares to host the largest World Cup in history. With teams, officials, media personnel and support staff travelling from across the globe, immigration and visa procedures have become a major logistical consideration for organisers.
Artan’s case is not the only one to attract attention in recent days. Members of Iran’s national team staff have reportedly experienced difficulties obtaining visas to enter the United States, although the country’s players were permitted to continue preparations from their training base in Mexico.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan denied US entry ahead of World Cup. Here’s what we know about him ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/oPRqMRoGTX
— AJE Sport (@AJE_Sport) June 8, 2026
As questions continue to surround Artan’s status, attention is now expected to turn to FIFA and US authorities for clarification.
With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, a swift resolution may be required if one of Africa’s most respected referees is to take his place on football’s biggest stage.
Beyond Omar Artan: What the Visa row means for the 2026 World Cup
