Somali referee Omar Artan, selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, is not taking part after the United States denied him entry. Reports say Artan arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday and was refused entry following a “routine” inspection by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The United States says the decision was due to “vetting concerns” and that Artan was determined to be inadmissible. Somalia and Artan dispute the basis of the refusal. Artan says he had “the right papers and everything” and a valid visa, and a Somali government advisor tells AFP that he had the appropriate documents. Somalia’s Ministry of Sports expresses “deep regret,” saying diplomatic engagement with U.S. authorities and FIFA did not lead to a positive outcome. CAF sources quoted by AFP say the organization could not intervene. FIFA confirms Artan is removed from the World Cup referee roster, and he would have been the first Somali official at a World Cup finals. Coverage also notes the episode has prompted criticism and calls for FIFA and other hosting countries to consider options for Artan’s involvement.