FIFA has officially confirmed that Somali match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, ending what would have been a historic moment for Somali and African football.
In an official statement released by the global football governing body, FIFA confirmed that Artan will no longer take part in training or officiating duties at the tournament following a decision by U.S. immigration authorities at Miami International Airport.
“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,” FIFA said in part of its statement.
The organization further clarified that it has no authority over immigration decisions made by host nations.
“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,” the statement added.
According to reports, the 34-year-old Somali referee had travelled from Mogadishu through Istanbul to Miami using a diplomatic passport to attend a mandatory FIFA seminar for match officials ahead of the tournament. However, upon arrival in the United States, immigration officials reportedly denied him entry for undisclosed vetting reasons before he was sent back to Turkey.
The development marks a heartbreaking setback for Artan, who had been on course to become the first Somali referee in history to officiate at a men’s FIFA World Cup finals.
Artan had earned continental recognition after being named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025, with many football fans across Africa viewing his appointment to the World Cup as a major milestone for Somali football and East African representation on the global stage.
Despite reports circulating on social media suggesting his visa had earlier been approved, FIFA maintained that admission into a host country ultimately remains the responsibility of immigration authorities.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country,” FIFA stated.
With the tournament now just days away, FIFA has officially removed Omar Artan from the World Cup refereeing roster, bringing an abrupt end to a story that had inspired many across the African football community.
