Somali World Cup Referee Denied US Entry Returns to Hero’s Welcome
6 verified6 unconfirmed3 contested
Omar Artan, a Somali referee named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, was denied entry to the United States where he was scheduled to officiate at the World Cup. He returned to Mogadishu on Wednesday to a large crowd of supporters and government officials after being turned away at Miami International Airport. Artan expressed gratitude to the Somali government and FIFA for their support and urged Somali youth to be proud of their country. He also stated his intention to officiate at the next World Cup. Somalia is among countries subject to travel restrictions under the Trump administration, which sources describe as either a 12-country or nearly 40-country list. The denial has drawn international attention and questions about the U.S. hosting the tournament.
What’s verified
Omar Artan, named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, was denied entry to the United States.
He was scheduled to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.
Artan returned to Mogadishu on June 10, 2026, where he was welcomed by supporters and government officials.
He urged Somali youth to defend their country’s honor and promised to officiate at the next World Cup.
Somalia is subject to U.S. travel restrictions under the Trump administration.
Artan thanked the Somali government and people for their support.
Where accounts differ
The day Artan was denied entry is reported as Monday by one source and Saturday by another.
The number of countries on the U.S. travel ban is given as 12 in one report and as nearly 40 in another.
One source quotes a U.S. official citing association with suspected members of terror organizations as the reason for denial; the other source reports only “vetting concerns” without details.
Not yet confirmed
Whether the specific terror organization claim is accurate, as it comes from a single report.
Whether Artan met Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud or only lower-level officials.
Whether FIFA formally removed Artan from the World Cup referee list.
The conditions of Artan’s detention at the airport.
When and how Artan’s U.S. visa was issued.
Whether a White House task force leader publicly supported the decision.
Key figures
Omar Artan (Somali World Cup referee), Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (Somali president), Andrew Giuliani (White House Task Force on the World Cup), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (WHO Director-General)
Sources: BBC News, abcnews.com
