Somali referee Omar Artan turned away at US border three days before 2026 World Cup

Somali referee Omar Artan, designated by FIFA for the 2026 World Cup, was turned away upon arrival in the United States and sent back to Turkey, with no detailed explanation provided by US immigration services. The incident occurs three days before the tournament kicks off.

According to journalist Micky Jnr, Artan was intercepted as he entered the country and immediately expelled. Journalist Romain Molina notes that the official had received support from Somalia’s embassy in Nairobi to facilitate visa approval, even obtaining a diplomatic passport — a step that failed to convince US authorities.

A recognized figure in African refereeing, Omar Artan regularly officiates CAF competitions. He notably directed the second leg of the 2025 African Champions League final. Barring a reversal, he will not participate in the tournament.

This episode is part of a series of incidents ahead of the World Cup. Several members of Iran’s delegation failed to obtain visas, Iraq’s team photographer was expelled upon arrival, and Iraqi striker Ayman Hussein was detained and questioned for nearly seven hours by immigration services. The Trump administration has significantly tightened border controls ahead of the event, which the United States is co-hosting with Mexico and Canada. The Americans will host 78 of the 104 matches on the schedule, including the final.