World Cup 2026: Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan finally receives his visa

A wave of relief has swept over Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been stranded until now due to visa issues, as he will finally be able to travel and officiate at the World Cup finals kicking off June 1 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Abdulkadir Artan received his visa on Thursday morning, according to Ghanaian journalist Micky Junior. After confirming the news on his social media accounts, the Somali referee can now join his fellow African officials, who arrived in the United States days earlier.

Wearing the FIFA badge since 2018, he quickly established himself at the pinnacle of continental refereeing, taking charge of major clashes in the Africa Cup of Nations and CAF Champions League. His presence in the United States, Mexico, and Canada marks a historic moment for an entire nation, as Omar Abdulkadir Artan becomes the first Somali referee to officiate in the World Cup finals.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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