Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan was denied U.S. entry after CBP flagged association with suspected terror organization members, a Trump admin official said.

Somali referee Omar Artan won't officiate in the World Cup after being denied entry into the United States. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Monday that a Somali national who was planning to ...

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — A Somali soccer referee who was due to become the first from his country to officiate the World Cup but was denied entry to the United States was named Africa’s best referee ...

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — A World Cup referee from Somalia who was denied entry to the United States was received by a crowd of supporters and officials Wednesday as he arrived in Somalia’s capital of ...

World Cup 2026: Referee from Somalia denied entry to the US was about to make history - He was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Saturday due to "vetting concerns" ...

Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House's World Cup task force and the son of former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani, said he stood by the U.S.'s decision to reject Omar Artan.

Omar Artan, who was named Africa's best male referee in 2025, was denied entry into the United States to work the World Cup earlier this month.

Federal immigration authorities barred a Somali soccer referee who was slated to officiate the FIFA World Cup from entering the U.S. over the weekend, citing "vetting concerns." ...

U.S. authorities cited “vetting concerns” for refusing Omar Artan just days before the soccer tournament.

After being denied entry to U.S. for World Cup, Somali referee Omar Artan has been selected to work PSG-Aston Villa Super Cup final on Aug. 12.