WC 2026: Immigration controversy trails U.S, World Cup actors

Controversy surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States and Iran claimed its allocation of supporter tickets had been revoked just days before the tournament begins. 

The twin incidents have added to growing concerns over travel restrictions and political issues overshadowing football’s biggest event.

Artan, who was set to become the first Somali official to referee at a World Cup finals, said he was subjected to an 11-hour immigration interview at Miami International Airport before being refused entry despite holding what he described as valid travel documents and a visa. 

The referee was later returned to Istanbul and subsequently removed from FIFA’s list of tournament officials. “I had the right papers and everything. I had the right visa,” Artan said, expressing his disappointment at missing what he called the biggest opportunity of his career.

FIFA confirmed that Artan would be unable to officiate at the tournament, stressing that immigration decisions remain the responsibility of host countries. 

Somali officials supported Artan’s account, stating he was travelling with valid documentation, including a diplomatic passport. 

However, U.S. authorities have not publicly disclosed the reason for the decision, although Somalia remains among the countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by the administration of Donald Trump.

Meanwhile, Iran’s football federation has accused organizers of denying its supporters access to their official ticket allocation for the group stage. 

According to the federation, FIFA regulations entitle each participating nation to distribute eight percent of tickets for its matches. 

Iranian officials said ticket sales had already begun before the allocation was reportedly withdrawn, leaving many supporters facing uncertainty after making travel plans.

The dispute comes amid a series of difficulties involving Iran’s participation in the World Cup. The team recently moved its training base from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico, citing problems with being hosted in the United States.

Iranian officials have also complained that several members of the national team’s administrative staff were denied visas, while players and officials will reportedly need to travel into the United States only on matchdays for their group-stage fixtures against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.

With the tournament set to begin on June 11 across the United States, Canada and Mexico, concerns continue to grow that political and logistical issues could dominate headlines alongside the action on the pitch.