U.S. Denies Entry to Somali World Cup Referee Citing Vetting Concerns

U.S. Customs and Border Protection denied entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan at Miami International Airport on Saturday after he arrived on a flight from Istanbul. The agency determined Artan inadmissible due to vetting concerns.

CBP issued a statement on Monday confirming the decision. "The referee was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry," the CBP spokesperson said. Every traveler, including athletes, coaches, and staff, remains subject to the same inspection process, the agency noted.

FIFA confirmed Monday that Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the 2026 World Cup. The organization stated it is not involved in host-country immigration processes and has been informed that his status will not be changed. "In line with previous FIFA events, a host Government determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country," FIFA said.

Artan was ruled out of officiating at the tournament. Artan is the only World Cup referee from Somalia and the 2025 Confederation of African Football men's referee of the year. He had been a FIFA referee since 2018 and was one of 52 referees selected for the 2026 World Cup.

"I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future," Artan said. He is currently in Turkey. The Somali Football Federation has contacted FIFA seeking clarity on the matter.

Somalia is one of 39 countries listed on President Trump's travel ban executive order signed last year. The 2026 World Cup opens on Thursday and is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. FIFA confirmed Iran's training base will be at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana, Mexico.

Iran will kick off its campaign against New Zealand on June 15, before facing Belgium six days later, with both games being held in Los Angeles. The Iranian team will play its third match in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.