Coupe du monde 2026 : Un arbitre africain renvoyé après un refus d’entrée aux États-Unis
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, appointed to the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry upon arrival in the United States despite having a valid visa. This incident has reignited questions about the tournament's entry procedures.

Appointed by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will ultimately not participate in the competition. According to several reliable sources, the official was turned away upon arrival in Miami before being sent back to Istanbul.
Recently awarded by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as African Referee of the Year 2025 and appointed to officiate, among other matches, the second leg of the African Champions League final between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns, Artan nevertheless possessed a valid visa with the support of the Somali embassy in Nairobi. He was also traveling with a diplomatic passport.
The US authorities have not yet provided any official explanation for this refusal of entry.
This incident comes in a context already marked by several administrative difficulties encountered by some delegations prior to the tournament.
Following the restrictions mentioned around Iran and the complications reported by members of the Iraqi team upon their arrival on American soil, this new episode could revive criticism of the conditions for organizing the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
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