World Cup: 'I had right visa,' Somali referee says after US rejection

Somali referee Omar Artan insists he had valid travel documents and the appropriate visa after being denied entry into the United States, ending his dream of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He underwent an 11-hour immigration interview at Miami International Airport before being refused entry and placed on a return flight to Istanbul. FIFA confirmed he will be unable to officiate, and US authorities have not provided an official reason, though Somalia is among countries affected by travel restrictions under the Trump administration.