World Cup 2026: Somali referee Omar Artan reveals 11-hour interrogation before dream ended

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has revealed he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview before being denied entry into the United States, ending his hopes of officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to work at a World Cup finals, was turned away at Miami International Airport despite travelling with what he says were valid travel documents and a diplomatic passport.

"I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa," Artan told the New York Times.

The referee said he was questioned by US immigration officials for 11 hours before being placed in a holding cell and later put on a flight back to Istanbul.

"I'm very, very disappointed. 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," he said.

FIFA later confirmed Artan would miss the tournament, stating that immigration decisions are the responsibility of the host country and that his status would not change.

A senior adviser to Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports also confirmed Artan had travelled with valid documents.

The 2026 World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Artan's case has become one of several controversies overshadowing the tournament, with former England striker Ian Wright describing the build-up as a "World Cup of chaos" following a series of travel and visa-related issues affecting participants and supporters.