World Cup 2026: Top African Referee Denied U.S. Entry

World Cup 2026: Top African Referee Denied U.S. Entry

Sampson Adedeji 

A leading African referee has been turned away from the United States just months before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, triggering concern across the continent’s football community, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa’s top match officials, was denied entry upon arrival in the U.S.

 The Somali referee was subsequently sent back to Turkey, where he had reportedly been traveling from.

U.S. immigration authorities have not publicly explained the reason for the decision. As of Monday, neither FIFA nor U.S. officials had issued an official statement on the matter.

Artan has built a strong reputation in recent years, officiating high-profile matches in Confederation of African Football (CAF) competitions and earning international recognition. 

His experience at the continental level had positioned him as a strong candidate for selection to the World Cup refereeing panel.

The incident has raised questions within African football circles about potential barriers facing officials from the continent as preparations for the 2026 tournament intensify. 

Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the expanded 48-team World Cup is expected to feature a significant number of African teams and officials.

FIFA typically works closely with host nations on accreditation and entry arrangements for referees,