World Cup: First Somali referee Omar Artan denied entry into US

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 sent back to Turkey. His selection for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, had been announced by FIFA. No official reason was given, but the decision comes amid travel restrictions under the Trump administration, with Somalia among the affected countries. Artan, the 2025 CAF Men's Referee of the Year, had hoped to represent Somalia on the global stage.