A Somali referee tied to the World Cup says he was turned away at the Miami airport despite a valid visa, while Iraqi and Iranian football arrivals have faced delays and refusals—part of a wider pattern of visa and travel restrictions tied to Donald Trump’s se
The World Cup begins Thursday, but at Miami’s airport on Monday, a Somali referee’s trip to the United States was abruptly derailed.
BBC Sport reported that Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was set to be one of 52 FIFA referees for the tournament, was not allowed to enter the country even though he reportedly had a valid visa. He was reportedly turned away at the Miami airport.
Artan isn’t the only one encountering a closed door. Aymen Hussein, who plays for the Iraqi national team, was detained for “nearly seven hours” at Chicago’s O’Hare airport, according to Reuters. An Iraqi team photographer was refused entry outright.
Iranian players, meanwhile, received US visas only at the last minute, while some team staff have not received them at all.
For fans trying to attend World Cup games in the US—especially those from African countries—the visa process has also been a problem, with troubles described for people seeking entry to watch matches in the United States.
The administration’s role in these disruptions sits at the center of the story. Donald Trump’s second administration has made hostility toward immigrants—and especially toward non-white immigrants—a “tentpole policy.” Over the past six months. Mother Jones reported that the US has admitted only white South Africans as refugees. In 2025, the administration imposed a sweeping travel ban covering 39 countries, including Somalia, where Artan is from. The travel ban also includes four World Cup countries: Haiti, Iran, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.
One of the sharpest ironies is how many moving pieces depend on visas working smoothly. The World Cup runs until July 19, yet the tournament’s ability to bring in referees, players, and staff has already met friction at points of entry.
And the World Cup isn’t the only high-profile event tied to US entry and attendance that the Trump White House appears to be affecting at the same time. The president is in New York City today for Game 3 of the NBA Finals. featuring the New York Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs. His attendance, however, is said to be seriously cramping the party in Manhattan.
For now, as the countdown to kickoff continues, the question for teams and fans is immediate and practical: who gets in on time, and who is left waiting at the airport until the tournament is already underway.
World Cup visa problems Omar Artan Somali referee Trump second administration travel ban 39 countries Miami airport Chicago O'Hare Aymen Hussein Iraqi team photographer Iranian players visas