Referee Omar Artan, known for his impressive career, returned to Mogadishu, Somalia, on June 10, 2026, after being denied entry to the United States. Artan had been selected to officiate at the World Cup and aimed to be the first Somali referee at the event.
Upon his arrival in Mogadishu, he was met with a warm reception. Local officials and supporters had gathered to show their support. Artan expressed his determination to participate in the next World Cup and encouraged Somali youth to take pride in their nation.
Artan had achieved notable success as Africa’s leading referee, being named the continent’s best male referee in 2025. However, he was stopped at Miami International Airport due to “vetting concerns,” according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This led FIFA to remove him from the list of referees for the tournament.
The Somalia Embassy in Kenya had previously facilitated his visa to the U.S., where the tournament is co-hosted with Mexico and Canada. Despite this, Artan missed the chance to join his fellow referees in Miami for training.
In Mogadishu, Artan thanked the Somali government, the people, and FIFA for their support. He assured his supporters of his commitment, saying, “I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one.” This statement was met with cheers from the crowd, who waved Somali flags in solidarity.
Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre praised Artan, noting his impact and dedication to football. “He devoted himself to ensuring that football was decided by merit,” Barre stated, reflecting on Artan’s dedication.
The U.S.’s decision to deny entry to a match official appointed by FIFA for a World Cup was unusual and sparked global criticism. This incident highlighted concerns about America’s capacity to host such a significant competition. The denial aligned with travel restrictions affecting nearly 40 countries, introduced during the previous U.S. administration.
On Wednesday, the United Nations’ human rights official advocated for a significant review of immigration policies, particularly in the U.S., as it hosts the World Cup.
Hundreds gathered at Aden Adde International Airport before Artan’s arrival. As he exited his flight, supporters surrounded him, draped him in the Somali flag, and accompanied him to the VIP terminal. There, he addressed journalists, emphasizing the importance of national pride. “It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name,” he declared.
In a nation impacted by conflict and extremism, Artan’s story reminds many of the possibilities when pursuing dreams. World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted Artan’s achievements and inspiration to others, reaffirming that his milestone remains significant despite the setback.
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