Somalia: World Cup - First Somali Referee Omar Artan Denied Entry Into U.S.

Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to become the first official from his country to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, was denied entry into the United States at Miami International Airport and has been returned to Turkey. No official reason has been provided by US authorities, but the decision is linked to travel restrictions under the Trump administration. Artan, named CAF Men's Referee of the Year in 2025, was scheduled to officiate at the 2026 World Cup starting June 11.