FIFA has confirmed that Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, will not officiate at the upcoming World Cup after being denied entry to the United States. Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup, was forced to return to Istanbul following the visa rejection.
The decision was announced by FIFA on June 8, 2026, just days before the tournament is scheduled to begin. Artan had been selected as part of the officiating team for the event, which is being held in the United States.
No further details have been provided regarding the reason for the visa denial. The Somali Football Federation has expressed disappointment but has not commented on any potential appeal process.
