Omar Artan, recognized as Africa's top referee in 2025, was denied entry into the US, preventing him from officiating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This marks a significant setback for the first Somali national to have the opportunity to officiate at a World Cup.

Omar Artan, Africa's top referee in 2025, was set to become the first Somali national to officiate at a FIFA World Cup before being denied entry by US authorities