World Cup 2026: US says Somali referee denied entry over suspected terror links

A United States official has said Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the country ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup because of "association with suspected members of terror organizations."

The official, who spoke anonymously due to visa privacy laws, confirmed the reason after Artan was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday. Earlier, White House FIFA Task Force executive director Andrew Giuliani said the decision was made for "very good reason" but declined to elaborate.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection initially cited only "vetting concerns" despite Artan having received a valid U.S. visa before travelling. The Somalia Embassy in Kenya, which processed the visa, confirmed it had been issued last week.

Artan told The New York Times he was questioned for 11 hours about his travel plans, Somali politics and the al-Shabab militant group. Despite presenting FIFA documents and evidence of his refereeing career, he was placed in a holding cell before being deported to Istanbul.

The 2025 CAF Men's Referee of the Year had been selected to become the first Somali official to referee at a FIFA World Cup. FIFA said it had no role in the immigration process and had been informed by U.S. authorities that Artan's status would not change.

After returning to Mogadishu on Wednesday, Artan received a hero's welcome from supporters, government officials and members of Somalia's football community. Addressing the crowd, he vowed to work towards officiating at the next World Cup and urged Somalis to remain proud of their country despite the setback.