Another off-field controversy has shaken the FIFA World Cup 2026. Somalian official Omar Artan has been denied entry into the United States despite travelling to join FIFA’s referee team ahead of the tournament. He had arrived in Miami to take part in final preparations alongside 51 other referees selected for the competition, but underwent an 11-hour interview with immigration authorities before being placed on a flight out of the country.
The development has generated fresh questions around access to the World Cup, particularly with concerns already being raised about immigration policies and the treatment of visitors travelling to the tournament.
Notably, Artan’s exclusion is especially significant given the path he took to reach football’s biggest stage. The referee enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025, becoming the first Somali to oversee a continental final. He later officiated the second leg of Pyramids FC’s African Champions League final victory over Mamelodi Sundowns and was subsequently appointed to the U-20 World Cup in Chile, where he handled three matches, including the third-place play-off.
His rise continued with assignments at the Africa Cup of Nations in both 2024 and 2025 before FIFA selected him for the 2026 World Cup in March.
I had the right papers and everything: Artan
According to the New York Times, Artan said he possessed all the required documentation for entry but was still denied access. โI had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,โ Artan said.
In the meantime, the White House defended the outcome. Speaking to BBC World Service, Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, backed the decision made by border officials.
“While I can’t go into the derog [derogatory information] on that, I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision,โ Giuliani said.
FIFA, in the meantime, have backed out of helping Artan in the situation. The governing body stated that it “is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications”.ย
The situation has further questioned FIFAโs role and the USAโs position as host. Former Arsenal and England forward Ian Smith has already lashed out regarding the same on Instagram, with many fans also calling the organisers out for all the chaos.ย
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