World Cup Shock: US bars CAF Referee of the Year Omar Artan from making history

Somali referee Omar Artan’s historic World Cup appearance has been thrown into doubt after the reigning CAF Men’s Referee of the Year was reportedly denied entry into the United States just days before the tournament kicks off.

Artan, who was selected by FIFA among 52 match officials for the 2026 World Cup, was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at football’s biggest tournament.

But according to the BBC, the highly rated African official was barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport and has since been returned to Turkey.

The development has immediately raised concerns within African football circles, coming months after Artan was named the Confederation of African Football, CAF, Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025.

No official reason has been given by US immigration authorities for denying him entry, while FIFA had also not issued a public statement on the matter at the time of filing this report.

However, the case has attracted wider attention because Somalia is among countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of US President Donald Trump, according to the BBC.

Artan’s reported denial of entry comes barely days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins on June 11.

His selection by FIFA had been widely regarded as a major breakthrough for Somali football and a recognition of his steady rise in African refereeing.

A FIFA-accredited referee since 2018, Artan has officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and other major continental competitions.

He also works in Somalia’s national football league and had been expected to represent both Somalia and African refereeing on the global stage.

With the World Cup set to begin this week, uncertainty now surrounds whether FIFA or US authorities will intervene to allow Artan take up his appointment.