The 2026 FIFA World Cup referee, Omar Artan, from Somalia, who was denied entry to the US, received a massive welcome in Mogadishu on Wednesday. A crowd of supporters and officials gathered to welcome him, and he also revealed that he planned to be at the next World Cup.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan is received as he arrives at the Aden Abdulle Osman International Airport in Mogadishu. (REUTERS)
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Artan was initially included in FIFA's final list of officials for the tournament. He was not allowed to enter Miami International Airport on Saturday over 'vetting concerns', according to US Customs and Border Protection. Then FIFA removed him from their list.
In a statement, the CBP said, "Following inspection, the traveler, a referee for the FIFA World Cup, was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry."
"Admissibility determinations are made on a case-by-case basis using law enforcement, national security, and immigration information available at the time of inspection.
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"CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law."
‘I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one’
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"CBP officers have the authority to question travelers, conduct inspections, and determine admissibility consistent with U.S. law."
‘I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one’
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According to the Somali Embassy in Kenya, Artan was issued a visa to travel to the US. Speaking to the fans, who received him, he said, "I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one."
"I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident."
The US has implemented new travel restrictions on nearly 40 countries under Donald Trump's administration, and Somalia is among them. Hours before Artan arrived, hundreds of supporters and officials gathered at Aden Adde International Airport. Fans waved Somali flags before draping him in the flag.
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Then police officers escorted him to the airport's VIP terminal, where he was greeted by officials from the country's Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Somalia Football Federation, and other dignitaries.
Speaking to reporters, he said, "It is up to all of us to defend the Somali name."
“Somalia belongs to us, whether it is in a bad state or a good state. That flag belongs to us, and that passport belongs to us.”
Meanwhile, the White House's World Cup chief, Andrew Giuliani, said, "To this point we've had 35 teams that have come into the United States."
"No players, no coaches have been denied.
"There have been some officials that have been denied, and for good reason."
When asked specifically about the ban on Artan, he said, "We're striking that balance between making sure that any bad actors that...try to come into the country under the guise of the World Cup will not get access to the United States."
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results.
A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.
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Home/Sports/Football/Somali FIFA World Cup referee gets hero's welcome after US entry denial: ‘I promise you that I will attend the next one’
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