Somali referee Omar Artan denied entry to US before 2026 World Cup

Omar Artan, a FIFA‑appointed referee slated to officiate matches at the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry upon his arrival at Miami International Airport earlier this week. Airport officials turned him away before he could proceed to the tournament’s opening ceremonies, prompting immediate concerns among the event’s organizing committee about the availability of qualified officials for the upcoming matches.

The incident occurs as the United States, Canada and Mexico prepare to host the first jointly staged World Cup, with officials from around the globe converging on North America for the competition. FIFA and the local organizing bodies have confirmed that a replacement referee will be assigned to cover Artan’s scheduled duties, and they are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the denial of entry to ensure that all remaining officials can travel without further disruption.