CBP Denies Entry to Somali World Cup Referee Due to Vetting Concerns
United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has denied entry to Omar Artan, a Somali referee selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup. Artan was stopped at Miami International Airport for additional inspection and subsequently deemed inadmissible due to unspecified vetting concerns. Despite holding a valid visa and diplomatic passport, Artan was not allowed to enter the U.S. Somalia has been on the U.S. list of 'fully suspended' countries for travel since June 2025, although exceptions can be made. Artan, recognized as Africa's best referee in 2025, was set to become the first Somali to officiate a World Cup match. The incident is part of broader travel disruptions affecting World Cup participants, including visa denials for Iranian officials. 
