Somali referee Omar Artan said he remains focused on the future after being denied entry into the United States and losing the chance to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Artan, who was set to become the first Somali referee to work at a men’s World Cup, struck a positive tone in a message posted on Facebook after returning home to Mogadishu. FIFA confirmed this week that he would take no part in the tournament after U.S. authorities refused him entry upon arrival in Miami.
“Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” Artan wrote.
He thanked FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their support and pledged to continue working at the highest level.
“I would like to thank FIFA and CAF for all their support and I promise to keep my refereeing levels up as I concentrate on the future,” he said.
Artan also expressed gratitude to supporters across the football community.
“I want to thank the football family for their messages and wish my colleagues all the best success during the World Cup and I look forward to joining them again in future competitions,” he added.
The 34-year-old was among the 52 match officials selected by FIFA for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. He was named CAF’s Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and had been expected to make history as the first Somali official to referee at football’s biggest tournament.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection said Artan was denied entry because of unspecified “vetting concerns.” FIFA said immigration decisions are the responsibility of host governments and confirmed that Artan would be unable to train or officiate at the tournament.
Somalia’s government and football authorities have expressed disappointment over the decision, describing Artan as a respected official who has become a source of national pride.
