World Cup: Africa’s best referee denied entry to the US sparks outrage

Social media has been buzzing with criticisms after Somalia’s leading referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry to the United States, preventing him from officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Artan, who had previously overcome visa complications after a wave of online support helped secure his approval, finally made the journey to the United States.

According to reports, he traveled from Kenya, transited through Turkey, and eventually landed in the USA with hopes of joining other elite officials preparing for FIFA duties.

2026 World Cup: Africa’s top referee Omar Abdulkadir denied entry into the United States

But upon arrival, the situation took a dramatic turn. Immigration authorities denied him entry, sending him back to Turkey without a clear explanation.

Football’s governing body FIFA indicated that it has no control over immigration processes and therefore could not intervene.

This development has sparked strong backlash on social media, with many arguing that the decision casts a dark shadow over the tournament, especially given the visa challenges facing officials.

Others blamed FIFA for failing to resolve immigration and visa issues with the host country before the tournament began, leaving players and officials vulnerable to public humiliation.

There were even suggestions that countries should boycott the tournament to compel authorities to desist from such actions under the US President Donald Trump's administration.

Many critics argued that FIFA’s decision to award hosting rights to the US was a mistake, considering the country’s history of immigration challenges and visa issues.

These sentiments are being shared not only by Africans but also globally, including by media outlets, fans, and pundits angered by the treatment of Omar Abdulkadir, Africa’s best referee in 2025.

Read the comments below:

@FIFAcom @FIFAWorldCup, What a disgrace, 2026 will be the worst world cup ever. Greed and bias will be the end of this organisation. At least after all this bullshit, this will definitely be the last time the US will ever host World Cup.
— kobby (@gh_kobina_) June 9, 2026

The US has confirmed that Trump is now the President of the FIFA World Cup. Any strong team playing against the USA can expect Trump to pick their line-up and make sure none of their star players or big names are selected.

This is going to be a spectacular World Cup to watch. I…
— jamal (@j_herow) June 9, 2026

Disappointing and heartbreaking! Excluding a selected referee for such an ugly reason is an insult to Africa and a disgrace to the World Cup. Why were they allowed to host if participants are denied entry? 🇺🇸❌ #JusticeForOmarArtan @FIFAcom @FIFAWorldCup
— Abdirahman mohamed🇸🇴 (@Abdirahmanmcf) June 8, 2026

All referees must boycott this tournament and stand together
— Mongua..El Patron (@vundakan) June 9, 2026

The sports is no more interesting with how things are going. Participating countries should boycott it.
— Okogyeaman🕸️ (@Zymzeema) June 8, 2026

This will go down in history as the worst WC ever. Not cos the games, but cos of the poor decisions & actions of the US. the high tickets prices, deployment of ICE to stadiums to harass fans, Visa issues, inhumane treatment of both players and fans at the airports 🥹
— Analyzza (@Analyzza8k) June 9, 2026

Who gave these creeps the right to host the wc
— Ayushman Mishra (@RMA_Ash57) June 8, 2026

Disrespectful to all African Football FIFA had to make an Answer for this
— Shafdooro (@Shafdooro1) June 8, 2026

This is just sad.
The US should not have been allowed to host a world cup.

If Iran makes it past the group stage, I hope they won't deny them and their supporters entry to the US.
— Viktorr (@_Viktorrr) June 8, 2026