Media members tour the locker rooms at Kansas City Stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 8 in Kansas City, Mo.
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Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images
As the World Cup begins later this week, match officials and team members have faced enhanced immigration scrutiny when trying to enter the United States. A FIFA referee from Somalia was turned away.
Media members tour the locker rooms at Kansas City Stadium ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 8 in Kansas City, Mo.
Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images
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Jay Biggerstaff/Getty Images

U.S. bars entry of FIFA World Cup referee from Somalia, citing "vetting concerns"

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Federal immigration authorities barred a Somali soccer referee who was slated to officiate the FIFA World Cup from entering the…

FIFA scrambles to protect 2026 World Cup access as US travel bans covering 39 countries threaten fans and teams, with match…

Some World Cup players and team staff are being questioned or outright barred from entering the United States, angering their…

The development comes amid growing scrutiny over US visa policies affecting participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will…

Team staffers, federation leaders, media members, and at least one referee and player have dealt with travel issues ahead of the…

The White House has defended denying entry to Somali referee Omar Artan and several Iranian officials, as immigration…