Somali referee Omar Artan has returned home to a hero’s welcome after being denied entry to the United States ahead of a planned World Cup officiating role.
Artan, who had been selected for a historic role at the tournament, was welcomed in Mogadishu following the setback.
The official was denied entry to the United States after arriving in Miami, despite reports that he held valid travel documents.
The incident has drawn further attention after reported support from Canada, one of the three host nations for the 2026 World Cup.
Omar Artan welcomed in Mogadishu after US entry denial
Artan returned home to a hero’s welcome, with footage and reports showing supporters and officials greeting him after his arrival in Somalia.
His selection had been viewed as a significant moment for Somali football. Artan had been set to become the first Somali referee at a World Cup, making his appointment a landmark for the country.
Reports have said Artan reportedly held a valid visa before being refused entry. US Customs and Border Protection has been reported as citing vetting concerns.
FIFA has said immigration decisions are handled by the relevant host country authorities.
Artan’s return to Mogadishu has now become part of a wider discussion around access to the 2026 World Cup for officials, players, staff and supporters.
Canada support adds new element to Artan case
The case has also attracted attention in Canada. A World Cup-focused post on X reported that British Columbia Premier David Eby said Artan would be welcome in the province and believes he should be allowed to referee World Cup matches in Vancouver.
The claim is currently supported by the reported support from British Columbia, rather than an official FIFA update on Artan’s tournament status.
The 2026 World Cup will be staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. That makes the reported Canadian response relevant, although there has been no confirmed indication that Artan can be reassigned to matches in Vancouver or elsewhere in Canada.
FIFA has said it is not involved in host country immigration processes and that the host government decides who receives a visa and who is admitted.
Artan’s situation has been reported alongside wider access concerns around the 2026 World Cup.
For now, Artan’s World Cup involvement remains unclear following the US entry denial.
His welcome in Somalia underlined the significance of his selection, while the reported support from Canada has kept attention on whether there is any remaining path for him at the tournament.
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