Just days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, controversy erupted after the United States denied entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, barring him from the tournament.

Artan, a FIFA-appointed match official, arrived in Miami from Istanbul but was denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection over unspecified “vetting concerns.” Authorities have not provided further details.

The decision has sparked widespread criticism across the football world, particularly because Artan was set to become the first Somali referee in World Cup history. The award-winning official was named Africa’s Best Male Referee in 2025 and had been expected to play a prominent role during the tournament.

FIFA confirmed that Artan will no longer officiate at the World Cup, while noting that entry decisions are the responsibility of host countries.

Somalia’s government and football officials voiced disappointment, saying the move contradicts the World Cup’s values of inclusion and equal opportunity.