United States officials stopped Omar Abdulkadir Artan from entering the country over “vetting concerns,” cutting short his historic trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Artan, who was set to become the first Somali to referee at a World Cup, landed back in Mogadishu this week to a hero’s welcome after U.S. Customs and Border Protection turned him away at Miami International Airport.
According to CNN, Artan arrived with a valid visa but was taken for a lengthy secondary inspection. After the check, officers ruled him inadmissible. A clip of the CNN report was shared on X by reporter Larry Madowo, who also presented the story in the video.
A CBP spokesperson told CNN that a World Cup match official was denied entry due to “vetting concerns.” The agency did not name Artan, but he is the only Somali referee selected for the tournament. CBP described the extra screening as routine, noting that admissibility decisions are made case by case using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time. The decision comes as Somalia remains one of 39 nations under travel restrictions reintroduced by the Trump administration.
FIFA confirmed Artan will miss the tournament but said it has no control over host country immigration rules. “FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa decisions,” the body told the press. “As with past FIFA events, the host government decides who receives a visa and who is admitted.”
Despite the setback, Artan struck a hopeful tone in a statement released through FIFA. “Even with these circumstances, I feel positive and I’m focused on the next steps in my refereeing career,” he said. “I thank FIFA and CAF for all their support, and I promise to keep my refereeing standards high as I look ahead.”
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off this week.
🎥 Credit: CNN