Somali referee Omar Artan deported from US, excluded from World Cup
The 2025 Africa’s best referee was welcomed as a hero in Mogadishu after 11 hours of questioning at Miami airport, despite holding valid credentials.
Omar Artan, named Africa’s best referee of 2025, has been officially excluded from the 2026 World Cup after being denied entry to the United States and deported from Miami. The decision by FIFA confirms that the Somali official will not officiate at the tournament, a status that would have made him the first Somali to appear on a World Cup pitch.
Artan was stopped at Miami International Airport on June 6 and questioned for 11 hours before being barred from entry. The refusal occurred despite the official holding a valid United States visa and a diplomatic passport. The incident is linked to a travel ban imposed by the Trump administration on 12 countries, including Somalia.
FIFA has confirmed Artan’s definitive exclusion from the 2026 World Cup, citing the requirement that all selected referees undergo mandatory training in Florida. The governing body stated it would not challenge the United States’ decision, noting that host governments determine visa admissions. This exclusion applies to all matches, including those hosted in Mexico and Canada, as the Florida training is a prerequisite for participation.
Upon his return to Mogadishu on Wednesday, June 10, Artan was welcomed as a hero by a large crowd and received by Somali President Hassan Mohamud. The official thanked FIFA and the Somali government for their support during the ordeal, acknowledging the frustration of the situation while celebrating the warm reception from his countrymen.
In a public address, Artan pledged to officiate at the 2030 World Cup and urged Somali youth not to lose hope. He encouraged the next generation to continue defending the country’s honour and flag, framing his personal setback as a moment for national resilience rather than defeat.
