FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup due to the United States denying him entry, despite holding a valid visa. This decision prevents him from training and officiating at the tournament.
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States for the World Cup despite holding a valid visa. This incident, linked to a travel ban, has drawn attention from Somalia's sports ministry and highlighted Artan's achievements in football officiating.
Somali referee Omar Artan has been banned from entering the USA, affecting his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Artan, recognized as the Confederation of African Football's Men's Referee of the Year in 2025, is currently in Turkey and faces repatriation issues.
