World Cup travel concerns are mounting just days before kick-off, with a Somali referee becoming the latest participant denied entry to the US
Somali referee Omar Artan has become the latest person linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be denied entry to the US ahead of the tournament.
Artan, who was set to become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup finals, was refused entry upon arrival at Miami International Airport.
US authorities have not publicly provided a reason for the decision. However, Somalia is one of the countries affected by President Donald Trump‘s travel restrictions, prompting speculation that the policy may have played a role.
“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 FIFA statement read.
“In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”
Artan officiates in Somalia’s domestic league and has also worked at the Africa Cup of Nations. Selection for a World Cup is regarded as one of the highest honours available to match officials.
Despite the setback, Artan thanked FIFA and the football community for their support.
“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.”
At the time of writing, FIFA has not confirmed who will replace Artan within the officiating team.
Not an isolated visa issue
In recent weeks, several players, officials and support staff travelling to the US for the World Cup have reportedly encountered visa or border-entry complications.
Iraqi striker Ayman Hussein was detained and questioned for approximately seven hours at Chicago O’Hare International Airport before eventually being admitted into the country. Hussein later said he was not given a reason for the delay.
Talal Salah, the Iraqi national team’s official photographer, was not as fortunate and was denied entry before being returned home.
Responding to questions about the case, US Customs and Border Protection said admissibility decisions are assessed individually.
“Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection.”
Moroccan international Zakaria El Ouahdi also experienced visa difficulties before joining his national team. Reports suggested his visa application was rejected twice before eventually being approved.
While El Ouahdi was ultimately cleared to travel, the episode highlighted concerns about tournament preparation and raised questions over whether supporters from certain countries may be discouraged from attending.
FIFA’s visa solution had limits
Visa-related challenges were always expected to be one of the operational risks facing the World Cup, particularly with the US serving as the primary host nation alongside Canada and Mexico.
FIFA and the US government launched FIFA PASS, a voluntary programme that aimed to help World Cup ticket holders who require visas secure faster interview appointments at US embassies and consulates.
The programme was intended to reduce waiting times and administrative bottlenecks. However, it does not influence the vetting process or guarantee entry into the country.
When the initiative was announced, FIFA president Gianni Infantino described it as evidence of the US’ commitment to hosting “the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the same event, stressed that expedited processing should not be confused with guaranteed admission.
More issues emerge before kick-off
Entry requirements are not the only challenge organisers have faced in the final build-up to the tournament.
Questions have already been raised about playing surfaces, stadium infrastructure and extreme summer temperatures across parts of the US and Mexico.
With temperatures expected to reach record levels during parts of the tournament, and all matches split into quarters to allow for hydration breaks, organisers initially said fans would be allowed to bring refillable bottles into stadiums and access free water stations.
FIFA later reversed the decision because of health and safety concerns for players, officials, volunteers and spectators.
The announcement led to backlash from supporters, many of whom accused FIFA of prioritising commercial interests over fan welfare. The governing body reacted a day later by reversing its decision once again.
Under the current policy, supporters are allowed to bring one factory-sealed, soft plastic water bottle of up to 20 ounces into venues.
However, regulations vary between stadiums and fans may run into issues depending on where their teams are playing.
MetLife Stadium, which will host the World Cup final, permits both disposable and reusable bottles under certain conditions. Whereas, Arrowhead Stadium prohibits glass, metal and many reusable bottle types altogether.
