AT&T Stadium, where upcoming World Cup soccer matches are scheduled to be played, June 1, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. Tony Gutierrez/AP
A referee from Somalia designated for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was prevented from entering the United States over the weekend due to “vetting concerns,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced on Monday.
The official arrived at Miami International Airport from Istanbul on Saturday and “received further examination, a standard procedure in CBP’s screening process when officers need to confirm details or assess eligibility,” a CBP representative stated.
The referee was “deemed ineligible owing to vetting issues and entry was refused,” the representative mentioned, without providing additional specifics.
Somalia is included in the travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, which affects several nations.
The CBP spokesperson chose not to publicly identify the referee.
ABC News has sought comments from FIFA.
FIFA had previously revealed that 52 referees and 88 assistant referees were chosen for the international soccer competition.
AT&T Stadium, where upcoming World Cup soccer matches are scheduled to be played, June 1, 2026, in Arlington, Texas.Tony Gutierrez/AP
The CBP spokesperson stated that all individuals entering the country, including athletes, coaches, and personnel, are subject to examination and screening.
“Decisions on admissibility are made individually based on law enforcement, national security, and immigration data available at the time of the inspection,” the spokesperson further elaborated.
The World Cup is set to commence on Thursday, with the United States, Mexico, and Canada serving as co-hosts.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com