Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from making history as the first official from his country to referee at a FIFA World Cup finals.

Artan was scheduled to officiate matches during the upcoming World Cup, which would have marked a significant milestone for Somali football representation on the global stage. The denial of his visa or entry status has effectively ended his participation in the tournament.

The specific reasons for the entry denial have not been disclosed by U.S. immigration authorities. FIFA has not yet announced whether a replacement referee will be named to fill Artan's position for the World Cup matches.

This development represents a setback for Somalia's growing presence in international football officiating. Artan's selection as a World Cup referee had been seen as recognition of the improving standards of football administration and officiating in the Horn of Africa nation.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first World Cup to be held across three countries.