Somali referee denied entry to World Cup 2026

The football community is reeling after Omar Abdulkadir Artan, one of 52 referees selected for the 2026 World Cup, was turned away by U.S. border officials at Miami International Airport. Despite having valid documentation and a visa, Artan was denied entry. Recognized as the 2025 African Referee of the Year, Artan stated in an interview that officiating at the tournament was the biggest dream of his life. He remains in Istanbul, disappointed that bureaucratic issues have cut short his historic opportunity.