Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan greets fans who show support for him, after he was denied entry into the United States where he had traveled to take part in the World Cup and was forced to return to his country, in Mogadishu, Somalia on June 10, 2026.
Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin/Anadolu via Getty Images
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Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin/Anadolu via Getty Images
Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States, returned to Somalia to an enthusiastic reception. At the airport, he was welcomed by government officials with flowers, and fans wrapped him in the Somali flag.
In Mogadishu, a stadium was filled with thousands of people not for a soccer event but to celebrate Artan. He was lifted onto shoulders amidst cheers, a testament to national pride in a nation often criticized internationally.
“What happened has happened and it was fate. I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me,” Artan stated upon his arrival in Mogadishu.
Artan, who aimed to be Somalia’s inaugural World Cup referee, reassured his supporters of his resolve.
“I will attend the next World Cup,” he told local media. “We should strive for our country and defend it. We should never be disappointed. I love my country, and I encourage young people to continue pursuing their goals.”
Recently, Artan was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Miami International Airport. Despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid visa, the decision was defended by Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force, who remarked, “Anyone who is communicating with bad actors that plan harm against the United States of America are not gonna be admitted entrance.”
A Trump administration official, speaking anonymously, claimed Artan had connections with “suspected members of terror organizations.” NPR has reached out to Artan for comment but has yet to receive a response.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed Artan will not be able to train at the tournament, which is taking place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, starting in Mexico City on Thursday.
In Somalia, the U.S. has been a significant ally in combatting the Al Qaeda-linked group Al-Shabaab. However, the U.S. accusations have sparked anger among Somali citizens. Ilham Gasser, a Somali parliament member, said, “Many Somalians feel he has been unfairly treated. If these were genuine concerns that an individual had links to terror organizations, many Somalians are asking, why were those concerns not identified in the visa process?”
Last year, Somalia was among 12 countries included in a U.S. travel ban. President Trump has frequently criticized Somalia, referring to its people derogatorily and describing the country negatively.
Despite the setback, Artan’s situation has turned into a moment of national pride as Somalia honors one of its own on the international stage. Although the World Cup opportunity has been missed this time, his recognition at home is undeniable.
