Somali World Cup referee denied US entry after 11-hour interview
Why it matters: Omar Artan was removed from FIFA's officiating roster because all referees must train and stay at a Miami base.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss the 2026 World Cup after US authorities denied him entry at Miami International Airport, despite his having what he described as valid travel documents and a visa. Artan said he underwent an 11-hour immigration interview, was held for several more hours and then sent back to Istanbul. FIFA said he will be unable to train or officiate and that his immigration status will not be changed for now. Artan had been set to become the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals. Somalia is among countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration. FIFA requires all match officials to stay at a training and security hub in Miami.