Somali World Cup referee denied entry into U.S. was talking to "some very bad people," White House official says

Key Points:

• Andrew Giuliani, the Trump administration's top official for the 2026 World Cup, defended the U.S. government's decision to deny entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, citing undisclosed classified information and alleged contacts with "very bad people."
• Artan, selected by FIFA after a three-year vetting process, was blocked at Miami International Airport due to "derogatory information" including suspected ties to terror organizations, though no evidence has been publicly released.
• Some World Cup players, including from Iraq, faced secondary inspections but were ultimately allowed entry; however, several Iranian team officials were denied visas due to alleged connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps amid ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents will assist with World Cup security, with Giuliani emphasizing their expertise and role in combating human trafficking, while assuring that legally admitted individuals have nothing to fear.
• Giuliani defended travel restrictions on fans from Haiti and Iran, citing security concerns and political instability, and dismissed criticisms that immigration policies are overshadowing the tournament, highlighting extensive ticket sales and visa approvals.