Award-winning referee denied entry to US

The lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is facing significant border security challenges as international teams arrive in North America. The Iraqi National Team experienced this firsthand at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, where star striker and national hero Aymen Hussein was subjected to an intense seven-hour interrogation by customs officials.

While Hussein, who scored the crucial game-winning goal against Bolivia that secured Iraq’s first World Cup berth since 1986, was eventually cleared, team photographer Talal Salah was held for ten hours before being completely denied entry.

This strict border protocol is directly impacting the nation’s logistical preparations just days before Iraq is set to kick off its Group I campaign on June 16 against Norway, followed by challenging matchups with France and Senegal.

These administrative hurdles have not only affected team rosters but also impacted the tournament’s official match officials, leading to another problem with visas.

Journalist Romain Molina reported and noticed on X by Polymarket FC, that celebrated Somali referee Omar Artan was barred from entering the United States, despite being officially appointed by FIFA to officiate tournament matches.

Named by FIFA to officiate during the World Cup, the Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to U.S. territory.

Due to his difficulties in obtaining a visa, he had benefited from the support of the Somali embassy in Nairobi, which enabled him to obtain a diplomatic… pic.twitter.com/xhslFnfsPJ

— Polymarket FC (@PolymarketFC) June 8, 2026

Artan had previously faced significant difficulties in securing a standard visa in the weeks leading up to the competition.

In an attempt to resolve the issue, the Somali embassy in Nairobi intervened to provide him with a diplomatic passport.

However, American border authorities deemed this specialized documentation insufficient and immediately sent him back.

These strict international rejections, which have also recently affected a Swiss player, highlight an uncompromising security environment that is forcing FIFA to adjust its referee pool at the last minute.

Omar was awarded the 2025 CAF Male Referee of the Year for his outstanding officiating in major continental tournaments and league matches.

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