World Cup 2026: Infantino hopeful of solution after Omar Artan travel setback

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has spoken about the travel difficulties faced by Somali referee Omar Artan, stressing that efforts are ongoing to find a solution following the official’s inability to enter the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan returned to Mogadishu after being prevented from travelling to the United States, one of the host nations for the tournament, because of entry restrictions. The situation has attracted attention across the football world, with many expressing support for the highly respected match official.

Speaking on the matter, Infantino revealed that FIFA is maintaining discussions with relevant parties in an attempt to resolve the issue.

“We are trying, we are talking, we are exchanging ideas, we will see,” Infantino said. He added that patience and dialogue are more effective than public confrontation when dealing with complex situations involving governments and immigration policies.

The FIFA president also underlined the limits of the governing body’s authority, noting that FIFA cannot impose its decisions on national governments or law enforcement agencies.

“We are always looking for solutions,” he said, while reminding observers that FIFA remains “a sports organization.”

Despite the setback, hopes remain that a positive outcome can still be reached for Artan before the tournament concludes.