Somali Referee Omar Artan Welcomed Home After U.S. Entry Denial

MOGADISHU, Somalia (AP) — Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan returned to Mogadishu on June 10, 2026, following a denied entry into the United States. Supporters and officials greeted him warmly as he arrived back in the capital. Artan expressed his determination to participate in the next World Cup and encouraged Somali youth to take pride in their nation.

Artan was poised to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup, having been included on FIFA’s final list for the tournament. Recognized as one of Africa’s leading referees, he was honored as the continent’s best male referee in 2025. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection blocked his entry at Miami International Airport due to unspecified ‘vetting concerns.’ Consequently, FIFA removed Artan from the tournament’s referee lineup.

According to the Somalia Embassy in Kenya, Artan had secured a U.S. visa last week. The U.S. is co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico and Canada, and Artan was scheduled to join fellow referees at their Miami training base. Upon arrival in Mogadishu, he expressed gratitude to the Somali government, the people, and FIFA for their support.

‘I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,’ Artan said, addressing hundreds of supporters waving Somali flags at the airport. ‘I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident.’

Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre hosted Artan and praised him on social media, noting that the referee had already won the hearts of millions and secured his place in history. Barre remarked on Artan’s dedication to ensuring fairness in football, despite being denied the opportunity he rightfully earned.

The decision by the U.S. to reject a FIFA-appointed official from a World Cup host nation drew global criticism and sparked discussions on America’s ability to host the event. Under the Trump administration, Somalia was among nearly 40 countries facing new travel restrictions. The United Nations’ top human rights official called for a reassessment of immigration policies, particularly in the U.S., in light of the World Cup.

Throngs of fans, government representatives, and the Somali football community gathered ahead of Artan’s arrival at Aden Adde International Airport. Supporters greeted him with Somali flags, later draping him in one. Police escorted him to the VIP terminal, where Somalia’s sports minister and other dignitaries welcomed him, and he addressed the media.

‘It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name,’ Artan declared. ‘Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.’

Despite decades of conflict and the threat posed by the al-Shabaab extremist group, Artan’s situation underscored the potential for aspiring Somalis. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted Artan’s achievement on social media. He stated that reaching the pinnacle of his profession and inspiring a new generation remains a significant milestone, regardless of recent setbacks.