World Cup 2026: Somali referee Omar Artan to miss tournament after being barred from entering US
Somali referee Omar Artan has been removed from the 2026 World Cup officiating list after being denied entry into the United States. While no official reason was given, the denial is linked to US travel restrictions affecting Somalia.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the intersection of international sports, immigration policy, and geopolitical travel bans.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Omar Artan has been a Fifa referee since 2018
The article reports the facts of the visa denial and the official statements from FIFA and the Somali government without editorializing.
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