Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who has been acclaimed as the best official in Africa, was dropped from FIFA's list for the tournament after American authorities refused him permission to enter.

Omar Artan was set to become the first Somalian to officiate a World Cup match. He was denied entry to the United States on Monday at Miami International Airport.

The development comes amid growing scrutiny over US visa policies affecting participants in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and…