Omar Artan Ruled Out of 2026 World Cup After US Entry Denial

Somalian referee Omar Artan will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being denied entry into the United States.

The 2025 CAF Referee of the Year had been named among FIFA’s 52 selected match officials and was expected to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup.

However, FIFA confirmed his exclusion after US authorities declined to grant him entry. Although no official reason was provided, Somalia is among several countries affected by a travel ban introduced during President Donald Trump’s administration.

FIFA, as quoted by the BBC, stated: “In line with previous FIFA events, a host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and who is admitted into their country.”

The Zimbabwe Times

The Zimbabwe Times is a premier digital news platform dedicated to delivering breaking news, in-depth analysis, and comprehensive coverage of events shaping Zimbabwe and the African continent.

Recent Posts

“You cannot bulldoze us into a waste deal” – Garwe’s Geo Pomona Ultimatum Sparks Procurement Backlash

BULAWAYO — The government’s attempt to force Bulawayo into a waste-management agreement with Geo Pomona…

2 hours ago

Girlfest Opens Space For Zimbabwe’s Creative Businesses

By Violet Chanakira Girlfest Zimbabwe’s return to Harare is expected to provide more than entertainment,…

2 hours ago

Petrol Price Rises as Scrutiny of Tagwirei’s Fuel Influence Continues

Zimbabwean motorists are facing a higher petrol bill after the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA)…

4 days ago

Council Urged to Protect Vendors While Restoring Order

Local Government Minister Daniel Garwe has urged informal traders in Bulawayo to operate from designated…

4 days ago

ZACC Arrests Chinese National ‘Ning Yaokun’ Over Alleged Lithium Smuggling Syndicate

720 tonnes of unbeneficiated ore allegedly smuggled as forged paperwork exposed a widening assault on…

4 days ago

PP4P takes professional dialogue to Matabeleland South

The Presidential Programme for Professionals (PP4P) is extending its outreach campaign to Matabeleland South as…

1 week ago