Somali referee denied US visa gets hero’s welcome back home, vows to attend next World Cup
Summary
Omar Artan, a Somali referee chosen to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, was denied entry into the United States due to visa issues. He returned to Somalia, where he was warmly welcomed and promised to participate in the next World Cup in 2030.Key Facts
- Omar Artan is a top Somali and African referee, named Africa’s best male referee in 2025.
- He was selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
- The US denied him entry upon arrival at Miami airport citing "vetting concerns," but did not explain further.
- Following the visa denial, FIFA removed him from the list of referees for the tournament.
- Somalia’s embassy in Kenya had issued him a US visa before his travel.
- Hundreds of fans, government officials, and football community members greeted him at Mogadishu airport.
- Artan encouraged Somali youth to be proud and said he will attend the next World Cup in 2030.
- The US travel restrictions under President Trump’s administration affect about 40 countries, including Somalia.
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