The World Cup was always likely to bring political tension with it, given the tournament’s heavy US footprint and the travel restrictions already hanging over several countries.
There were assurances that the issue would not become a major problem once teams, officials and supporters started moving around North America, but the early evidence is starting to tell a different story.
The latest case involves a leading Somali referee, who had been preparing for a landmark role at the tournament. Instead, he was turned away at the border and will now miss his chance at a World Cup debut.
Omar Artan has been dropped after being denied entry to the US
Omar Artan was due to become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup, but FIFA has now confirmed, as BBC reported on Monday, that he will no longer officiate at the tournament after being denied entry to the United States.
The 2025 CAF men’s referee of the year was barred at Miami International Airport and is now in Turkey. No official reason for his repatriation has been issued by US immigration authorities.
Somalia is one of the countries covered by current US travel restrictions, which has made Artan’s case a significant flashpoint before the tournament has properly settled into its rhythm.
FIFA’s position is that immigration decisions remain with the host government. The governing body has been informed that Artan’s status will not be changed at present, meaning his World Cup role is effectively over.
Artan had been selected among FIFA’s referees for the tournament and had already built a strong reputation in African football. He has been a FIFA referee since 2018, officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and was named Africa’s best referee last year.
There is also wider context here. Iranian players and official are facing travel restrictions, while other football figures have reportedly had difficulties entering the US.
For a tournament built around three host countries and a global audience, Artan’s absence underlines how immigration policy can quickly become a sporting issue too.
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