Turned away from the United States, Omar Artan reveals the reason for his exclusion from the 2026 World Cup

World Cup 2026 Today at 11:17

Mohamed Rek

News Editor

Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan (34 years old) will not be living the dream he has chased for years. Although he was due to take part in referee preparations and officiate at the 2026 World Cup, he was ultimately denied entry to the United States despite holding all the required documents.

Omar Artan: "My greatest dream has slipped away"

In his first reaction following the decision, Artan spoke to the American daily The New York Times:

"I am extremely disappointed. I am simply a referee trying to fulfill his greatest dream: to take part in a World Cup."

The Somali referee revealed he arrived at Miami airport last Saturday, where he underwent a lengthy interrogation by immigration officials that lasted more than eleven hours, despite having all his paperwork in order.

"I had all the required documents, all the paperwork was in order, as well as the appropriate visa," he insisted.

Named African referee of the year in 2025, Artan also explained that he presented official documents issued by FIFA and a professional track record of more than ten years. Despite this, U.S. authorities stood by their decision.

Asked about the reason for his denial of entry, Artan said he received no official explanation.

"I think they have a problem with my country," he concluded bitterly.

FIFA powerless: Omar Artan definitively ruled out of the 2026 World Cup

For its part, FIFA clarified that the situation was beyond its jurisdiction, emphasizing that decisions regarding visas and entry to host countries rest solely with the relevant government authorities.

The world's football governing body added that there was nothing in its possession to suggest the Somali referee would be reinstated in the official list for the tournament.

Finally, FIFA reminded on its official website that, as with previous competitions it organizes, the host government always has the final say on issuing visas and granting entry to its territory.

World Cup 2026: FIFA sidelines Omar Artan after his expulsion from the United States

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