FIFA World Cup: Somali referee denied entry into US over 'vetting concerns'

Jun 09, 2026

The official was later identified by FIFA as Omar Abdulkadir Artan, the only Somali referee selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Somalia referee Omar Artan calls US FIFA World Cup visa denial "unfortunate"

Jun 10, 2026

Somalia soccer referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan on Wednesday said the decision to bar him from entering the United States for the FIFA World Cup...

FIFA World Cup 2026: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan to receive full tournament fee after US entry denial

Jun 14, 2026

Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry into the United States, making him unable to officiate at the ongoing 2026 FIFA...

Omar Abdulkadir Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup following World Cup visa setback

Jun 11, 2026

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who has been ruled out of officiating at the World Cup after being denied entry to the United States,...

"Nobody benefits from divisive and polarising narratives": UN Rights Chief urges rethink of US immigration policies ahead of FIFA World Cup

Jun 11, 2026

Among reported incidents related to US entry, Iran's national team moved its training camp from Arizona to Mexico, with some Iranian officials denied visas....

Somalia referee Omar Artan appointed for 2026 UEFA Super Cup after US entry denial forces World Cup miss

Jun 11, 2026

Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) and the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) on Saturday appointed Somali referee Omar Artan to officiate the 2026...