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After being barred at Miami airport and missing the 2026 World Cup, Omar Artan was welcomed by fans in Mogadishu, stated he will remain motivated, and affirmed he intends to represent Somalia in 2030
Somali referee Omar Artan was welcomed as a hero in Mogadishu after being denied entry by the United States for the 2026 World Cup. Selected among the 52 referees of the tournament, he will no longer be part of the FIFA panel and stated he intends to be in the 2030 edition.
Reception in Mogadishu featured flags and applause
More than 100 fans awaited Omar Artan outside the VIP area of the main airport in the Somali capital. He landed on a Turkish Airlines flight and was greeted with applause and Somali flags.
To the press, Artan said he is not demotivated by the episode. “I will be at the next World Cup and will continue to make Somalia proud,” he declared.
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Entry to the United States was denied in Miami
Artan was prevented from entering the United States on Saturday, upon landing at Miami International Airport.
According to a State Department spokesperson, he is “suspected of being linked to alleged members of terrorist organizations.”
FIFA confirmed that the referee will not participate in the World Cup, which will be organized by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Referee was a source of pride for Somalia
In 2025, Omar Artan was elected the best male football referee by the African Football Confederation. His selection for the 2026 World Cup had been celebrated in the country.
The President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, stated in April that Artan was “a symbol of inspiration for a new generation of Somalis.”
This article was prepared based on information from AFP and FIFA, with data, numbers, and statements preserved as per the consulted material.
