Trump: Only "the right" foreigners can enter the U.S. to participate in the World Cup
¬ Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returns triumphant after being denied entry
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U.S. President Donald J. Trump stated that American authorities are working to ensure only “the right” foreign nationals can enter the United States to participate in the World Cup.
When asked about concerns from World Cup guests regarding strict visa issuance conditions, Trump told reporters at the White House: “We are closely collaborating to ensure ‘the right’ people come to our country.”
Previously, FIFA confirmed that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been barred from entering the U.S. and thus will not officiate any matches at the 2026 World Cup.
The Iranian Football Federation announced that the U.S. has revoked the allocated World Cup ticket quotas for Iranian fans. Some members of the Iranian national team delegation also failed to receive visas.
The 2026 World Cup will be jointly hosted by three countries— the United States, Canada, and Mexico—for the first time, and will expand to include 48 teams. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19.
Source: sputniknews
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Africa – Somali football referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan returned triumphantly after being denied entry, greeted like a hero. He described the decision as “a twist of fate” and encouraged his fellow Somalians not to lose hope.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan was named African Referee of the Year for 2025 and had been poised to become the first Somali official to referee a World Cup match. However, last weekend he was denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). On Tuesday, the Trump administration stated that Omar Abdulkadir Artan was refused entry due to alleged links with “suspected terrorist group members.” Upon arriving in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, Artan told journalists: “What happened has happened—it’s fate. I thank FIFA for their support.”
He added: “No matter whether times are good or bad, Somalia belongs to us. I want to tell our youth not to lose hope in our country. I am now in my homeland, and I have nowhere else to go.”
On Wednesday, thousands of elated fans flooded a stadium in Mogadishu, waving flags and holding photos of Omar Abdulkadir Artan. Artan was a guest at this event. Many expressed deep disappointment over the U.S. decision, yet emphasized that their admiration for Omar Abdulkadir Artan remains unchanged.
Abdulkadir Ali Abukor, a 26-year-old student, told Reuters: “As young people, we feel his pain deeply. We all have dreams. He worked incredibly hard to reach this point, only to return disappointed.”
He also said: “For us and countless others around the world, he is a champion—and this decision does not change that.”
Abdi Abdul Basaleh, a 54-year-old fitness coach and former referee, said: “We came here to show him we stand with him.” Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre of Somalia met with Omar Abdulkadir Artan on Wednesday and declared that he “has won the hearts of millions and made a significant mark in history.”
In a post on X, Hamza Abdi Barre wrote: “Omar Artan has done far more than unite world football; he has ignited dreams and hopes in children. Dreams may be delayed, but they are never defeated.”
Diplomatic Passport
Omar Artan’s ordeal has drawn global attention, with WHO Director-General Tedros expressing solidarity. In a statement posted on X late Tuesday, Tedros said: “You have reached the pinnacle of your career, and your achievements alone are enough to inspire a generation in your country.”
The Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies have raised concerns ahead of the World Cup, as Washington imposed a full travel ban last year on citizens of 12 countries, including Somalia.
Officials from the Somali government and a representative from the Somali Football Federation (SFF) told Reuters that Omar Abdulkadir Artan holds a diplomatic passport. A diplomat at the Somali embassy in Nairobi stated: “Omar Artan holds the diplomatic passport issued by us for the World Cup, intended to ensure he would face no obstacles.”
The Somali Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday expressing “deep regret” over the U.S. decision. The statement noted that the Somali government had made diplomatic efforts to allow Artan to travel but was unsuccessful.
An FIFA spokesperson confirmed that Omar Artan will not be able to continue participating in the tournament.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported that a Somali national was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Saturday after arriving from Istanbul, citing background check issues. A government official later confirmed that CBP agents determined Omar Abdulkadir Artan posed a threat to national security.
It remains unclear which matches Omar Abdulkadir Artan was originally scheduled to officiate—such information is typically only released two to three days before the matches begin.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1867672268293120/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author