The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly over. In just a few days, the expanded tournament will get underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, bringing together the world's top players and officials for soccer's biggest event.
One of those officials, however, will no longer be part of the competition.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that Somali referee Omar Artan has been removed from the tournament after being denied entry into the United States. The decision came after Artan arrived at Miami International Airport on Saturday following a flight from Istanbul.
According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Artan underwent additional screening before being found inadmissible.
“On June 6, a Somali national arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul International Airport,” CBP shared, per The Athletic. “During processing, the traveler underwent additional inspection, a routine part of CBP’s inspection process when officers need to verify information or determine admissibility. Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.”
The agency did not provide further details regarding the decision.
For Artan, the development ends what would have been a historic moment. After being named the Confederation of African Football's Men's Referee of the Year in 2025, he earned one of the 52 referee spots selected by FIFA for this summer's World Cup. He had been set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at the tournament.
Instead, FIFA confirmed that Artan “will be unable to train and officiate” during the competition.
The governing body also made clear that it does not influence immigration decisions made by host nations. In a statement released Monday, FIFA said visa approvals and entry determinations fall entirely under the authority of the host country. The organization added that officials have indicated Artan's status is not expected to change.
Somalia remains among the countries affected by travel restrictions implemented under President Donald Trump's administration.
Artan is currently believed to be in Istanbul, where he has spent recent months. The respected official has held FIFA referee status since 2018 and previously worked at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. He was also part of the group of referees, assistant referees and video assistant referees selected to oversee the tournament's 104 matches across six weeks.
