World Cup 2026: Omar Artan welcomed home as a hero

Turned away from the United States, the Somali referee finds support in his homeland

World Cup 2026 Today at 07:03

Prevented from participating in the 2026 World Cup, Omar Artan received a warm hero's welcome upon his return to Mogadishu, Somalia. The 2025 African Referee of the Year had been denied entry into the United States, where he was scheduled to officiate during the tournament.

Arriving in Miami ahead of the competition, the 34-year-old referee was held for several hours by immigration officials before being sent back to Istanbul. U.S. authorities cited security reasons, including extensive background checks, for their decision.

Referee Omar Artan received a hero's welcome when he landed back in Somalia today 🇸🇴👏

The 34-year-old was set to make history as the first person from his country to officiate at a World Cup, but was denied entry.

(via @nasrabashiir) pic.twitter.com/R82tm8o3z3
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) June 10, 2026

Upon his return, Artan expressed his disappointment but also thanked FIFA for its support. Surrounded by hundreds of fans who came to greet him, he encouraged young Somalis to keep hope alive despite the challenges. The Somali official, who had dreamed of becoming his country's first referee at a World Cup finals, vowed to return for a future edition of the tournament.

𝐎𝐦𝐚𝐫 𝐀𝐛𝐝𝐮𝐥𝐤𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐫 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐠𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐮:

“First of all, I sincerely thank the leaders and the entire sports family of Somalia.

I want to express my gratitude to the Somali people for their… pic.twitter.com/k6kUdRHmL6
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) June 10, 2026