Trump's Immigration Policy Spills into World Cup; US Denies Entry to Somali Referee

2026 World Cup Key News

(LOS ANGELES, CNA Combined Foreign Report, June 8) A Somali referee was removed from the World Cup officiating list today after being denied entry to the United States. The incident has once again raised concerns that U.S. President Donald Trump's tough immigration policies and enforcement could impact the World Cup event this summer.

According to AFP, Omar Artan was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup finals tournament, but he was denied entry upon arriving at Miami International Airport on the 6th.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) stated that Artan was denied entry due to "security screening concerns."

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) stated that it is powerless in this matter, emphasizing that it falls entirely within the exclusive authority of the co-host nation, the United States. FIFA confirmed that Artan will definitely not participate in this World Cup.

A FIFA spokesperson told AFP: "FIFA confirms that Artan, one of the tournament's referees, will be unable to participate in training and officiating duties for the 2026 World Cup due to being denied entry to the United States."

Somalia is one of several countries included on the travel ban list as the Trump administration expands its crackdown on immigration. (Editor: Chen Yiwei) 1150609