Omar Artan, a Somali referee, has been denied entry into the United States ahead of the World Cup due to alleged vetting concerns related to his past associations. Despite this setback, FIFA has confirmed that Artan will receive his full tournament fee. The incident has prompted widespread criticism of US immigration policies, with many arguing that such restrictions send a negative message to international visitors. As the World Cup unfolds, the atmosphere has been marred by concerns over security and access, and the implications of rigorous border policies are being felt across the event.