Somali referee Omar Artan’s dream of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup appears to be over after he was denied entry into the United States despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry US visa.
The 34-year-old was selected as one of FIFA’s match officials for the tournament and was set to become the first Somali to serve in an on-field role at a World Cup. However, he was turned away by US border officials upon arrival in Miami.
Speaking to BBC Somali before leaving for the tournament, Artan described the World Cup appointment as the pinnacle of his career.
“Every referee’s ambition is to go to the World Cup,” he said. “When you are selected, you feel that all your hard work was worth it. It was a moment where everything came into focus. Years of effort finally made sense.”
Artan has built an impressive refereeing career, becoming a FIFA referee in 2018 and steadily rising through African football’s officiating ranks. He was named Africa’s Best Male Referee last year and officiated two matches at the recent Africa Cup of Nations.
Following his World Cup selection, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan as “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis.”
The Somali government is now pursuing diplomatic efforts to try to resolve the situation, although Artan is expected to miss the tournament.
The US State Department told the BBC that it welcomes legitimate visitors attending the World Cup, but said visa decisions are made on a case-by-case basis following thorough vetting procedures. Officials also cited national security and public safety considerations as part of the process.
After being removed from the United States, Artan remained in Istanbul, Turkey, but was expected to return to Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Wednesday.
His exclusion is a major disappointment for both the referee and Somali football, as he had been poised to make history on the sport’s biggest stage.
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