After being denied entry into the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Somali referee Omar Artan says he remains determined to officiate at the 2030 tournament.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has vowed to make it to the next FIFA World Cup in 2030 after being denied entry into the United States, a decision that prevented him from officiating at the 2026 tournament.
As Punch reports, Artan returned to Somalia to a hero’s welcome after the setback, with supporters celebrating his achievements despite the heartbreaking turn of events. The referee had been on course to become the first Somali official to work at a FIFA World Cup before US authorities blocked his entry, citing vetting concerns. FIFA subsequently removed him from the list of match officials for the tournament.
Rather than dwell on the disappointment, Artan chose a message of resilience. Speaking after his return, he expressed gratitude to FIFA and everyone who supported him while making it clear that his World Cup dream is far from over.
“I’ll be at the next World Cup in 2030,” he declared, sending a powerful message to young Somalis and aspiring referees.
The incident sparked international debate and widespread sympathy, but back home, Artan was welcomed as a national hero. Government officials, football fans and well-wishers praised his accomplishments and urged him to keep pushing forward.
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