Somali referee Omar Artan, who was poised to become the first official from his country to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals, has been denied entry to the United States.

Artan was turned away at Miami International Airport and is currently in Turkey. No formal explanation has been provided by US immigration authorities for his removal.

Somalia is among several nations listed under a travel ban enforced by President Donald Trump's administration, a restriction widely understood to be the likely cause of Artan's repatriation — though no official reason has been confirmed.

A historic appointment cut short

Artan was named in the group of 52 referees selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup finals, which are scheduled to be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States from 12 June to 19 July.

The 2025 Confederation of African Football men's referee of the year, Artan has been a FIFA-registered official since 2018 and has previously taken charge of matches at the Africa Cup of Nations.

He also serves as an official in the Somali national football league championships, where he has built his reputation over several years.

His barring from the United States raises serious questions about the participation of referees and officials from countries affected by the Trump administration's travel restrictions ahead of a tournament the US is co-hosting.