Somalia referee denied US entry days before World Cup kickoff
A Fifa-appointed referee from Somalia, Omar Artan, was denied entry to the United States after arriving in Miami for the 2026 World Cup. Artan, who had been selected as the top African official, said he held the correct visa but faced an 11-hour immigration interview before being put on a return flight. The incident has drawn criticism from discrimination campaign group Fare, whose executive director Piara Powar called it a “farce” and evidence of an “ideological and discriminatory visa policy”. Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, said he could not discuss the details but supported the decision by customs and border patrol. Former England striker Ian Wright described the situation as “a World Cup of chaos” on social media. The episode has renewed questions about Fifa’s control over access to the tournament, with Fifa stating it “is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications”. Other concerns include Iran’s reported revocation of its group-stage tickets and reports that 15 of its backroom staff were denied visas, though the squad has not yet flown into the country.
What’s reported
Omar Artan, a Somali referee rated number one from Africa, was denied entry to the 2026 World Cup after arriving in Miami.
Artan told the New York Times he faced an 11-hour immigration interview and was then detained for several hours.
He said he had “the right papers” and “the right visa.”
Piara Powar of Fare said the decision shows “an ideological and discriminatory visa policy from the US government.”
Andrew Giuliani of the White House Task Force stated: “While I can’t go into the derog on that I can tell you it was the right decision by customs and border patrol and I support that decision.”
Fifa said it is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications.
Iran has accused the US of denying visas to 15 “integral” members of its backroom staff, and its allocation of group-stage tickets has been revoked.
Former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright posted that this is “a World Cup of chaos.”
Concerns remain about potential presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at stadiums.
Conflicting accounts
The source article reports conflicting accounts: Artan stated he had the correct visa and papers, while White House Task Force lead Andrew Giuliani said the decision by customs and border patrol was correct but did not provide details.
Open questions
How Fifa allowed the situation to develop despite past warnings about US immigration policy.
Whether Iran’s squad will be able to fly into the United States for its matches, as they are scheduled to travel from Mexico within 24 hours.
Whether other fans or officials will face similar entry denials.
Key figures
Omar Artan – Somali referee, Fifa appointee for the 2026 World Cup.
Piara Powar – Executive director of discrimination campaign group Fare.
Andrew Giuliani – Leader of the White House Task Force on the World Cup.
Ian Wright – Former Arsenal and England striker.
Gianni Infantino – President of Fifa.
Donald Trump – President of the United States.
Thomas Concannon – Leader of the Football Supporters’ Association’s England fans group.
Wayan Koster – Former governor of Bali (mentioned in past context of Indonesia’s U-20 World Cup hosting).
Sources: BBC News
