US Denies Entry to Somali FIFA Referee Traveling for World Cup Duty

U.S. officials denied entry to Somali-born FIFA referee Ömer Abdulkadir Artan at an American airport Monday and sent him back to Turkey, according to news reports. Artan had arrived to participate in preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Authorities provided no official explanation for the decision. Artan is recognized for officiating major international matches and was selected by the African Football Confederation as one of the continent's top referees. He had been considered for a spot in the main referee roster for the 2026 World Cup, specifically as a first referee rather than an assistant or fourth official. No further details about the denial were immediately available. The development comes as the United States prepares to host portions of the 2026 World Cup tournament.