African referee denied entry to US for World Cup

Award-winning Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport, where he was set to become the first Somali to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. He had a valid visa but was barred, likely due to the travel ban affecting Somalia. A Somali sports official condemned the decision, saying it undermines football's commitment to fairness. Somalia's president had praised Artan in April for his historic selection.