World Cup 2026: FIFA confirms Somali referee Omar Artan will miss tournament

FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.

In a statement released on Tuesday, world football's governing body said Artan would be unable to train or officiate at the tournament after US authorities refused him entry.

"FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," the statement read.

FIFA stressed that it has no role in immigration or visa decisions made by host countries.

"FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan's status will not be changed at present."

The governing body added that entry into a host nation ultimately rests with government authorities.

"In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country."

Artan had been selected as one of the 52 referees for the 2026 World Cup and was set to become the first Somali official to referee at football's biggest tournament.

His absence is a significant setback for both Somalia and African refereeing representation at the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.