FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the 2026 World Cup after United States immigration authorities denied him entry to the country.

Artan, who was set to become the first Somali to referee at a World Cup, was turned away at Miami International Airport on Saturday following what US Customs and Border Protection described as a “routine inspection”.

The world football governing body said it was powerless to intervene in the immigration decision, which rests solely with the tournament’s co-hosts.

“FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States,” a FIFA spokesperson told AFP on Monday.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present.”

A US Customs and Border Protection spokesperson said Artan underwent additional inspection before being deemed inadmissible.

“Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry,” the spokesperson said.

Somalia is among several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration as part of a broader immigration crackdown.

Despite the setback, Artan said he remained focused on his career.

“Despite the circumstances I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said in a statement to AFP.

“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions.”

A government adviser in Mogadishu said Artan held a valid visa for the US and had returned to Istanbul after being refused entry.

“Omar Artan is among Africa’s most respected referees and deserves the support of the entire football community,” said Ciise Aden Abshir, a senior adviser to Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports and former national team captain.

ALSO READ: Norwegian Football Federation asks FIFA to investigate Trump peace prize

“Denying him entry to the United States and preventing him from officiating scheduled matches harms not only him personally but also undermines football’s commitment to fairness, merit, and the spirit of fair play.”

Artan was among 52 referees announced by FIFA for the World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States. The tournament kicks off on Thursday.

The referee has officiated in the Somali national football league championships since becoming a FIFA referee in 2018 and worked at the most recent Africa Cup of Nations. In 2025, the Confederation of African Football named him men’s referee of the year.

Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised Artan in April after his historic World Cup selection, describing him as “a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis”.