World Cup referee Omar Artan denied US entry over alleged links to terror organizations

Omar Artan, a top FIFA referee from Africa who had been selected to officiate at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, has been denied entry into the US due to alleged links to terror organizations. US authorities reportedly raised terrorism concerns as the basis for the denial. The development puts his participation in the 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in serious doubt.