2026 World Cup: African referee Omar Abdulkadir denied entry to US despite complete documents

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, appointed by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry to the United States upon arrival at Miami International Airport on June 6, 2026. U.S. authorities declared him inadmissible due to difficulties in verifying his background, despite him holding a valid visa. FIFA stated it could not intervene in immigration procedures, while Somali officials condemned the decision as unfair and a violation of fair play principles. The incident occurs amid heightened travel restrictions on Somali nationals under the Trump administration.