On Saturday, June 6, 2026, five days before the World Cup opened, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan landed at Miami International Airport. He was one of 52 referees chosen by FIFA for the tournament and would have been the first Somali to referee at a World Cup. He held a U.S. visa. He was refused admission and sent home.
What happened
Artan, 34, said he was questioned for 11 hours. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the refusal two days later. He returned to Mogadishu and did not officiate at the tournament. FIFA said he would be paid in full.
Timeline
- Spring 2026: FIFA names its World Cup referees, including Artan.
- June 6: he is refused admission in Miami.
- June 8: Homeland Security confirms the refusal.
- June 9–10: a U.S. official gives a reason to the press; Artan arrives back in Mogadishu.
- June 11: the World Cup opens.
What each side said
Homeland Security said he was “determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.” An unnamed U.S. official later told ESPN the concern was an association with suspected members of terrorist organizations. No evidence for that was made public.
Artan told The New York Times, as quoted by ESPN, “I think that they have a problem with my country.” Somalia is among the countries subject to U.S. travel restrictions.
What is not clear
The stated reason comes from an anonymous official and has not been independently supported. Reports differ by a day on when he reached Mogadishu. His statement that he was travelling on a diplomatic passport was not verified.
Why the story drew attention
A visa lets a person travel to a U.S. port of entry and ask to be admitted. The decision on admission is made there by a border officer, which is why someone with a valid visa can still be turned away. This case made that distinction visible on one of the largest stages in sports.
Sources
This article is a summary of publicly reported events, prepared for general information. It is not legal advice and does not take a position on the matters described. Immigration rules and court rulings change often, and every situation is different. For advice about your own circumstances, please speak with a licensed immigration attorney.
