Referee Denied Entry to the U.S. Before 2026 World Cup
A prominent referee chosen for the upcoming 2026 World Cup has been prohibited from entering the United States, even though he holds a valid travel visa. This was reported recently.
Omar Altan, an international referee from Somalia selected by FIFA for the summer tournament, found himself stuck at Miami International Airport over the weekend.
His selection marked a significant milestone as he was set to be the first Somalian referee in World Cup history.
The exact reasons behind his denied entry remain unclear.
While it’s known that Somalia was one of the nations impacted by the travel limitations set during the Trump administration, it’s uncertain if that factor played any role in Artan’s situation.
This incident has stirred frustration among Somali officials who believe Artan’s selection was well-deserved based on his abilities.
Siise Aden Abushir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, expressed strong support for Altan, recognizing him as one of Africa’s most esteemed referees and encouraging the global football community to rally behind him.
Aden Abushir stated, “Omar Altan is one of Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football world.”
As of now, it appears that Altan is in Istanbul, Turkey, where he has been residing for some time.
Artan has been on FIFA’s roster since 2018 and has officiated various significant African tournaments, including the recent African Cup of Nations.
Interestingly, he was also recognized as Africa’s Best Referee for 2025.
FIFA has designated Artan as part of the officiating team for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament is set to be historic, featuring 48 teams and a total of 104 matches.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud previously lauded Altan’s appointment, referring to him as a source of inspiration for younger generations in Somalia.
As of now, FIFA has not clarified whether Artan will be able to participate in future tournaments or if a replacement will be sought.
