Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States, FIFA has confirmed. The decision has ended Artan’s hopes of becoming the first referee from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup finals despite being selected for the tournament’s refereeing programme.

In a statement, FIFA said Artan would be unable to train and officiate at the World Cup after US authorities refused him entry. The governing body stressed that it does not take part in visa adjudication processes and that host governments ultimately decide who is granted entry into their countries. Reports indicate Artan was denied entry despite holding a valid visa, although no official reason has been disclosed.

Artan has earned a strong reputation in African football since joining FIFA’s international referees list in 2018, officiating at major competitions including the Africa Cup of Nations. His absence is a significant setback for Somali football, which viewed his World Cup appointment as a historic achievement ahead of the 2026 tournament, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.