June 8, 2026

U.S. Denies Entry to FIFA World Cup Referee from Somalia

U.S. Customs and Border Protection barred Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan from entering the country due to 'vetting concerns'.
Artan was scheduled to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 but will now miss the event after being denied entry at Miami International Airport.
The decision reflects ongoing immigration restrictions affecting individuals from Somalia, a country under a travel ban linked to national security.