The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) confirmed in an official response that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan will not be able to participate in World Cup 2026 preparations or officiate matches after being denied entry into the United States.

FIFA stated that visa and immigration procedures fall entirely under the authority of the host nation, stressing that it has no role in decisions related to entry permissions.

The governing body added that, in line with previous tournaments, the host government retains final authority over who is granted entry to participate in the competition.

The referee reportedly faced an unexpected entry refusal upon arrival in the United States and was subsequently returned to Türkiye, confirming his absence from the tournament.