11.06.2026 12:30
Omar Artan, expected to be the first Somali referee to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arrived in the capital Mogadishu on Wednesday after being deported from the United States on "national security" grounds. Artan, who was allegedly barred from the country under a special order from U.S. President Donald Trump and banned from the tournament, was embraced by thousands of people who filled a stadium in Somalia.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly organized by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, was rocked by an unprecedented diplomatic and sporting scandal ahead of the tournament, which kicks off Thursday in Mexico City. Somali referee Omar Artan, poised to make history, was denied entry to the US and sent back to his country.
Artan, named Africa's best male referee in 2025 and included in the tournament's final referee list, arrived in the capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, but his expulsion from the US turned him into a folk hero in his homeland.
THOUSANDS GREETED HIM AT THE STADIUM
Omar Artan was greeted by a large crowd of supporters and government officials at Mogadishu Airport, with a state-like ceremony held in the city. The famous referee, wrapped in the Somali flag and carried on shoulders, was taken to a giant stadium. Thousands of Somalis filled the stands to support Artan, while hundreds who could not see the field climbed onto rooftops and poles around the stadium. Artan, walking across the pitch accompanied by anthems, saluted the cheering crowd without getting off their shoulders.
"I WILL DEFINITELY ATTEND NEXT YEAR"
Addressing the hundreds of supporters who did not leave him alone at the airport and stadium, Omar Artan described the US administration's decision as a "misfortune." Stating that the incident is behind them, Artan expressed gratitude for FIFA's support during this process, saying: "Somalia is ours in good times and bad. I am in my country now, and there is no other place I want to be. Young people, do not lose faith in your country. With God's will, I promise to participate in the next tournament."
US ADMINISTRATION CITES "NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT"
The Trump administration, in an official statement on Tuesday, reported that Omar Artan's entry to the US for the World Cup was denied due to alleged ties with "suspected members of terrorist organizations." The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in a statement without naming names, said a Somali citizen arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday via Istanbul was not admitted due to screening concerns, with border officials deeming the individual a "national security threat." Notably, the referee's travel visa had been approved just last week by the Somali Embassy in Kenya.
NEGOTIATIONS FAILED; FIFA BARS HIM
The Somali government announced that intensive diplomatic efforts were conducted with both the Washington administration and FIFA to enable Artan to officiate in the tournament and enter the US, but the negotiations proved fruitless, expressing deep regret. A FIFA spokesperson, in a final statement, officially announced that following the visa crisis, Omar Artan will not be allowed to train or officiate any matches in the 2026 World Cup.