World Cup 2026: Somali referee Omar Artan to receive full payment despite US entry denial

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was controversially denied entry to the United States to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, will still receive his full tournament fee.

Artan, the 2025 CAF Men's Referee of the Year, was interrogated for 11 hours at Miami International Airport on Monday before being told he would not be allowed into the country. His diplomatic passport and single‑entry US visa were rejected despite him holding what he described as "the right papers".

A US government official later stated that Artan had been denied entry due to an alleged "association with suspected members of terror organisations". Artan told border officials he was questioned over links to Somali militant group Al Shabab but insisted he knew nothing about the organisation.

"I'm just simply a referee who's trying to live his dream, the biggest dream of my life, to come to the World Cup," Artan said.

After being put back on a plane to Turkey, Artan received assistance from FIFA officials in Istanbul before boarding a flight to the Somali capital, Mogadishu, where he was welcomed as a hero.

Despite taking no part in the tournament, FIFA has committed to paying Artan his full match fee. Referees do not know the exact amount until after the competition, but the governing body's gesture is seen as recognition of the injustice he suffered.

Artan has since been invited to officiate the UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint‑Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg, Austria, on August 12. He has also vowed to return to the World Cup in 2030.

The 34‑year‑old had a historic 2025. He became the first Somali to take charge of a continental final, officiating the second leg of Pyramids FC's CAF Champions League victory over Mamelodi Sundowns.

He also worked three matches at the FIFA U‑20 World Cup in Chile, including the third‑place play‑off, and refereed two group games at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Artan thanked his supporters after returning to Mogadishu: **"My people and my country."** His dream of officiating at a senior World Cup may have been shattered this time, but he has already set his sights on 2030.