Somali referee denied US entry before World Cup debut | DW News

The head of football's governing body promised the biggest and most inclusive World Cup ever. But it doesn't appear so. With record-high ticket prices, inadequate transport to stadiums, and strict visa requirements, the US has faced widespread criticism over its handling of the tournament, which it's co-hosting with Canada and Mexico. And now, one of Africa's top referees - Omar Artan - has prematurely returned home to Somalia - to a heroes welcome. A show of solidarity after US immigration denied him entry for the World Cup even though he says he had the right papers. The US accuses him of having terror links. It would have been a milestone achievement for Artan as the first referee from his country to officiate at the World Cup. For more news go to: http://www.dw.com/en/ Follow DW on social media: ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dwnews ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dwnews ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deutschewellenews/ ►Twitter: https://twitter.com/dwnews Für Videos in deutscher Sprache besuchen Sie: https://www.youtube.com/dwdeutsch Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/user/deutschewelleenglish?sub_confirmation=1 #worldcup2026 #us #somalia #dwafrica