Somali Referee Omar Artan Dropped From 2026 World Cup After US Entry Denial
Somali referee Omar Artan has been removed from the 2026 FIFA World Cup officiating list after being denied entry into the United States. FIFA confirmed the decision, noting they have no influence over host-country immigration policies.
Why it matters
The incident highlights potential logistical and diplomatic challenges for international participants in the upcoming 2026 World Cup hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Fifa has removed Somali referee Omar Artan from the 2026 World Cup after US authorities denied him entry.
The article reports the facts of the event from both the FIFA/US government perspective and the Somali federation's reaction without taking a side.
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