Omar Artan returns to Somalia after US blocks World Cup officiating trip

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has returned home after being denied entry into the United States, where he was set to officiate in 2026 World Cup preparations. He said his dream was shattered despite having a valid visa and described being detained and questioned for hours before being sent back from Miami. US authorities cited “vetting concerns,” while no further details were given. The Somali Football Federation and football bodies have expressed regret over the decision.

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has returned to Somalia after being denied entry into the United States, where he was due to officiate at preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Artan said his “biggest dream of life” was cut short after US border officials turned him back at Miami International Airport despite, according to him, holding valid travel documents and a visa.
He described undergoing an 11-hour interview with US border officials, followed by detention in a holding cell for several hours before being placed on a return flight to Türkiye. Artan said he was “very, very disappointed,” explaining that he had hoped to participate in what would have been the most important moment of his refereeing career.
Artan, who was named Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 by the Confederation of African Football, was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. His exclusion has been described as highly unusual, given that he was officially selected and scheduled to join other referees at a training base in Miami.
US Customs and Border Protection stated that he was denied entry due to “vetting concerns,” though no further details were provided. The Somalia Embassy in Kenya confirmed that he had been issued a valid visa shortly before his trip.
The Somali Football Federation expressed deep regret over the incident, noting that no official explanation has been given so far and calling for patience until more information becomes available. FIFA and CAF have been thanked by Artan for their support during the process, while the situation has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the decision.
Artan eventually departed Istanbul for Somalia, marking a sudden and disappointing end to his planned World Cup officiating role.