Omar Artan out of World Cup 2026 after US immigration decision

MIAMI / ZURICH: A Somali referee set to make history at the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been dropped from the tournament officiating panel after being denied entry into the United States, sparking questions over visa rules and host nation authority in global sporting events.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was recently named among Africa’s top referees and praised for his performances in international competitions, was turned back upon arrival at Miami International Airport. He has since returned to Turkey, where he was based prior to the incident.

According to reports, US immigration officials did not provide a detailed explanation for the decision. However, Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under existing US immigration policies, which has complicated entry for certain visa holders, even those carrying diplomatic passports.

The incident has now led to Artan being officially withdrawn from the FIFA World Cup 2026 refereeing panel, ending what was expected to be a landmark moment in his career.

FIFA confirmed the development after discussions with US authorities, stating that the host nation retains the final authority over visa issuance and entry permissions for all tournament participants, including officials.

“The host country has the sovereign right to determine entry eligibility,” FIFA noted in its clarification, while emphasizing that it had explored all possible administrative options.

Artan’s exclusion has triggered disappointment within the global football community, particularly given his rising profile. He has been a FIFA-listed referee since 2018 and has officiated at major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and other international fixtures, earning a reputation for consistency and discipline.

A spokesperson from Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed that Artan had all necessary documentation for travel, including a special diplomatic passport issued to facilitate his participation in international sporting duties. Despite this, he was still denied entry at the airport.

The Somali Football Federation has formally contacted FIFA seeking clarification on the matter, urging greater transparency and support for officials representing smaller footballing nations.

The case has also reignited debate over visa accessibility and political influence in global sports events, especially as the World Cup prepares to be co-hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

As the tournament approaches, the controversy adds an unexpected off-field challenge to FIFA’s preparations, raising concerns about whether administrative and diplomatic hurdles could impact the inclusivity of the world’s biggest sporting event.