World Cup 2026: USA have a problem with my country Somalia – ‘Heartbroken’ Omar Artan

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has attributed the decision that ended his 2026 FIFA World Cup dream to problems between the US and his country.

The 34-year-old was denied entry into the United States despite holding what he described as valid documentation and a visa.

Artan had been poised to make history as the first referee from Somalia at a World Cup finals, but his journey was halted at Miami International Airport following an 11-hour immigration interview and subsequent deportation to Istanbul.

Airport detention and deportation

According to accounts, the referee was intercepted at Miami International Airport where immigration officers subjected him to an extensive 11-hour interview before placing him in a holding facility.

He was later put on a flight back to Istanbul. No formal explanation has been issued by United States authorities, although Somalia is among nations affected by travel restriction measures introduced under the administration of Donald Trump.

FIFA confirmed the decision, stating that Artan would not be able to train or officiate at the tournament after being denied entry into the United States.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” the governing body said.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.”

Frustration and political questions

Artan expressed deep frustration over the decision, insisting he had followed all required procedures.

“I am very, very disappointed,” he told the New York Times. “I’m just simply a referee who’s trying to live his dream;  the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup.”

He added: “I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa. I think that they have a problem with my country.”