2026 World Cup: Somali referee Omar Artan returns home as U.S. official reportedly claims suspected links to 'terror organizations'

1 hour ago 1

Omar Artan, the Somalian referee who was scheduled to work the World Cup and was denied entry into the United States, was not allowed in due to "association with suspected members of terror organizations," according to a U.S. official.

According to the Associated Press, U.S. Customs and Border Protection determined that Artan was to "be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry."

On Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that Artan would not be allowed to enter the U.S. to work the tournament, which begins on Thursday, and that the organization was unable to fight the ruling.

"FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," the statement said. "FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr. Artan's status will not be changed at present. In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."

Under President Donald Trump, Somalia is one of nearly 40 countries whose citizens are unable to enter the U.S. as part of the administration's crackdown on immigration.

Play 2026 Soccer Pick 'Em with FOX One and make your picks for the world's biggest soccer tournament

This week, Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said that there was a "very good reason" for Artan being denied entry, but did not elaborate.

The 34-year-old Artan arrived in Mogadishu on Wednesday and was welcomed by supporters and government officials.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been expected to officiate at matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup but was denied entry to the United States, is received as he arrives at the Aden Abdulle Osman International Airport in Mogadishu, Somalia June 10, 2026. REUTERS/Feisal Omar

"I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one," said Artan, who was named Africa's best male referee in 2025. "I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident."

Artan reportedly arrived in the U.S. on Saturday to take part in a training hub for all World Cup referees. That hub, which is located in Miami, was organized by referees' chief Pierluigi Collina. Any official who takes part in the tournament is required to stay at that hub for "training, preparation and security." Because of that requirement, Artan cannot stay outside the U.S. and only officiate games in Mexico and Canada.

Artan said he was "very disappointed" about the decision in a statement to The Athletic. He said he had the "right papers" and visa and showed border agents documentation of his career as a FIFA referee.

"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa," Mr. Artan said, adding that he had also showed documentation from FIFA as well as photographs of his career of over a decade as a professional referee. Border officials also checked online material detailing Mr. Artan's career, he said.

Artan was set to become the first referee from Somalia to work a World Cup after he was included in the final list of officials for the tournament.

Read Entire Article