‎FIFA has confirmed that Somali referee Omar Artan will not officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after he was denied entry into the United States.

In a statement issued on Monday, the world football governing body said Artan would be unable to participate in training programmes or officiate at the tournament following the decision of US immigration authorities.

“FIFA is not involved in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications, and has been informed by authorities that Mr Artan’s status will not be changed at present,” the statement said.

FIFA explained that decisions regarding visa approvals and admission into a host country remain the sole responsibility of the government concerned.

The organisation added that host nations have the final authority to determine who is granted entry into their territory.

Artan, who has been on FIFA’s international referees list since 2018, was reportedly denied entry despite holding a valid visa.

The Somali official has officiated at several major continental competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and has earned recognition from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as one of Africa’s leading referees in recent years.

His exclusion means he will no longer be part of FIFA’s officiating team for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.