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Somali World Cup referee denied U.S. entry, hailed as hero at home

World Cup referee denied U.S. entry, hailed as hero at home ![Somali referee Omar Artan

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World Cup. At least one referee from Somalia and one Iraqiteam staff member were denied entry at U.S

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U.S. also refused entry to an Iraqi team photographer, held one of their star players in immigration for hours and [denied access to a Somalian referee](https://www.npr.org/2026/06/10/nx-s1-5853075/somali-world-cup-referee-denied-u-s-entry-hailed-as-hero-at-home). - ➡️ **With a record 48 teams