The World Cup 2026 is already being criticized as Africa’s ‘best male referee’ is barred entry into the U.S.

The World Cup has been on the receiving end of some backlash after a Somali referee, who travelled to the country, was barred entry into the U.S. after arriving in Florida. Omar Artan was questioned by immigration officials for 11 hours before ultimately being sent back home.

Artan traveled from Somalia via Turkey to attend a pre-tournament seminar in Miami intended for FIFA referees and assistant referees who had been selected for the World Cup. However he ran into trouble upon his arrival in Florida when he faced questions from border and customs officers.

He told the New York Times (via BBC News) that he was questioned by immigration officials for 11 hours with one of the main topics being raised relating to the Al-Qaeda-aligned militant group al-Shabab. After enduring the long stretch of questioning Artan was ultimately put on a flight out of the U.S. after the immigration official cited “vetting concerns.” Somalia is one of 40 countries facing travel restrictions under Trump’s new immigration crackdown, as reported by AP News.

The decision ultimately left Artan feeling disappointed after his World Cup dream was dashed at the last minute. Just last year he was named the “best male referee” in Africa and, according to AP News, was set to be the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.

What’s next for Omar Artan?

Unfortunately for Artan, it looks like there’s very little chance of him getting to officiate at a World Cup game this time. All on-pitch officials need to be based at FIFA’s Miami hub meaning there isn’t an option for Artan to just officiate the games in Canada or Mexico.

FIFA itself is also somewhat powerless to intervene in the situation as the organization “is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications.” They have been informed that Artan’s status “will not be changed at present.” The decision is in the U.S. government’s hands as “a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

Despite the disappointing news Artan was still hailed a hero upon his return to Somalia. The Somalian government stated it was “deeply disappointed” by the news but Artan himself was met at the airport by hundreds of supporters waving flags, as per AP News. Artan vowed he would attend the next World Cup saying, “I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.”

Thousands of fans also attended the stadium in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, to welcome the referee back. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre also wrote on X that Artan had “already won the hearts of millions and secured his place in history.”