Somali soccer referee denied US entry, will miss World Cup debut

The United States denied entry to soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was expected to be the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup match. FIFA confirmed he cannot participate after being deemed inadmissible at Miami International Airport on Saturday due to vetting concerns. Somalia's government unsuccessfully tried to negotiate with the US and FIFA. Artan, named CAF's Best Male Referee for 2025, had a valid visa according to media reports.