Somali Referee Denied Entry to US as 2026 World Cup Controversies Grow

The 2026 World Cup has been hit by a wave of visa denials, entry restrictions, and intensive security screenings, drawing significant backlash as matches began across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. While the tournament kicked off on June 11, 2026, the focus has rapidly shifted to controversial immigration decisions and security measures implemented by United States authorities.

Among the most prominent cases is that of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was denied entry into the United States despite holding a valid visa. Artan, 34, was stopped at Miami International Airport and deemed inadmissible by US authorities over what officials described as "vetting concerns."

US authorities later alleged that Artan had links to individuals suspected of involvement with terrorist organisations, an accusation that the referee has denied. Artan was named the Confederation of African Football's Referee of the Year in 2025. The denial of entry prevented him from making history as the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.

FIFA addressed the situation by stating that entry decisions ultimately rest with the governments of the host nations. The football governing body confirmed that Artan would still receive his full tournament fee. Following the incident, UEFA appointed Artan to officiate the UEFA Super Cup in August.

In addition to Artan's case, several international teams and players have faced stringent security measures upon arrival in the United States. Members of the Senegal national squad were subjected to extensive baggage inspections in San Antonio. Meanwhile, players from the Uzbekistan team faced additional security screenings, including the use of drug-sniffing dogs and metal detectors at their training facilities.

Further controversies involved Iraqi personnel. Iraqi striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for nearly seven hours after arriving at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Additionally, the Iraqi team's photographer, Talal Salah, was reportedly detained for more than 10 hours and ultimately denied entry into the United States.