A major setback has hit preparations for the 2026 World Cup after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States, despite being selected to officiate at the tournament.

Artan, who was named the 2025 Confederation of African Football Men’s Referee of the Year, was stopped at Miami International Airport and later repatriated. He is now in Turkey while the situation remains unresolved.

No official explanation has been provided by US immigration authorities, but Somalia is listed among countries affected by travel restrictions introduced under the administration of President Donald Trump.

Artan was among 52 referees chosen by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 12^th to July 19^th .

A seasoned official, Artan began his FIFA refereeing career in 2018 and has previously handled matches at the Africa Cup of Nations as well as domestic competitions in Somalia.

His removal from entry raises questions ahead of the tournament, especially given the scale and international nature of the officiating team assembled for the event.