June 8, 2026
By Adegboyega Adeleye
Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to make history as the first official from his country to officiate at a FIFA World Cup, has reportedly been denied entry into the United States ahead of the tournament.
According to the BBC on Monday, Artan was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport and has since been returned to Turkey.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11.