FIFA Confirms Omar Artan Will Miss 2026 World Cup After US Entry Denial

Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not be part of the officiating team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, according to a statement released by FIFA.

The Somali referee had been selected as one of the match officials for the tournament but will now miss out on the competition after US authorities refused him entry into the country.

In its statement, FIFA confirmed that Artan would be unable to participate in any pre-tournament preparations or officiate matches during the World Cup as a result of the decision.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” read a statement.

“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”