Somali Referee Omar Artan Returns Home After Denial of U.S. Entry for World Cup

A Somali referee, Omar Artan, who faced entry denial by the United States, received a warm welcome upon his return to Mogadishu on June 10, 2026. Artan’s homecoming was marked by crowds of supporters and officials at the Mogadishu airport, expressing hope for his future participation in the World Cup and encouraging Somali youth to take pride in their homeland.

Artan was on the path to become Somalia’s first referee at a World Cup, having been selected for FIFA’s final referee list for the tournament. Known as one of Africa’s top referees, Artan earned recognition as the continent’s best male referee in 2025. Despite obtaining a U.S. visa through Somalia’s embassy in Kenya, he was barred from entering the country at Miami International Airport due to “vetting concerns” stated by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who provided no further details.

As a result, FIFA removed Artan from the referee roster for the tournament. The U.S. is co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico and Canada, where Artan was supposed to join other referees for training in Miami. Yet, he was met with cheers in Mogadishu, graciously thanking both the Somali government and FIFA for their unwavering support. “I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one,” he vowed to the hundreds of supporters waving Somali flags.

“He devoted himself to ensuring that football was decided by merit, yet fate denied him the stage he so richly deserved,” Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre expressed on Wednesday while hosting Artan.

This decision by the U.S. attracted global criticism, sparking debates on America’s ability to host such a significant event. The incident has also been tied to the travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration, affecting nearly 40 countries. In response, the United Nations’ top human rights official called for a significant overhaul of immigration policies, especially with the World Cup in view.

Artan’s journey has inspired Somalian people, desiring an improvement despite the country’s long history of conflict and the presence of extremist groups like al-Shabab. Hundreds, including government officials and football community members, gathered at Aden Adde International Airport to display their support. After arriving, Artan was ceremoniously draped in the Somali flag by supporters.

During his address, Artan emphasized the importance of national pride: “It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name. 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.”

Artan’s aspiration at the World Cup remains inspirational. Even without participating in the event, his achievements are celebrated. As articulated by the World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, “You reached the summit of your profession and inspired a generation back home just by getting there, and being kept off the pitch you earned doesn’t change that.”