Somali referee Omar Artan has pledged to officiate at the 2030 FIFA World Cup after returning home from the United States, where immigration officials denied him entry.
Artan arrived in Mogadishu on Wednesday to a warm welcome from government officials, football administrators, fellow referees and local residents.
The 34-year-old was due to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament. FIFA had selected him as one of 52 match officials for the 2026 World Cup.
Artan landed at Aden Adde International Airport and received a hero’s welcome despite the disappointment of missing the tournament.
Speaking after his arrival, he thanked Somalis for their support and promised to continue pursuing his dream.
“I want to thank my country and my people for their support,” Artan said.
“Everything is pre-destined. FIFA supported me well and stayed in touch with me until I reached Mogadishu.
“I promise you that I’ll be officiating at the next World Cup.”
Artan is also expected to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium and watch a league match between Heegan and Dekadaha.
Artan’s World Cup hopes suffered a major setback when US authorities stopped him at Miami International Airport on Monday.
Despite holding a diplomatic passport and a valid single-entry visa, officials denied him entry and later sent him back to Turkey before he returned to Somalia.
US immigration authorities have not publicly explained the decision.
Somalia remains one of several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by US President Donald Trump.
According to reports, Artan underwent an 11-hour immigration interview and spent several hours in detention before authorities placed him on a return flight.
Artan could not remain outside the United States and referee matches in Canada or Mexico.
FIFA requires all on-field referees to train, prepare and operate from a central base in Florida throughout the tournament.
As a result, the entry denial automatically ruled him out of officiating at the World Cup.
Andrew Giuliani, who heads the White House Task Force on the World Cup, defended the decision.
Speaking to the BBC World Service, Giuliani said he could not discuss specific details but believed customs and border officials made the correct call.
The White House has not provided further information about Artan’s case.
Despite the setback, Artan urged young Somalis not to lose faith in their country.
He encouraged them to remain proud of their national identity and continue pursuing their ambitions.
“Let’s all defend Somalia’s honour,” he said.
“We all belong to Somalia whether it’s bad or good. That flag is ours and so is the passport.
“The youth shouldn’t be demoralised about their country. Despite this happening to me, I’ll still stand for my nation.
“I want to continue my journey from here and urge the youth to do the same.”
Artan enjoyed a breakthrough year in 2025 when the Confederation of African Football named him Africa’s Men’s Referee of the Year.
His selection for the World Cup marked another major milestone for Somali football.
Although he missed the 2026 tournament, Artan remains determined to achieve his World Cup dream and hopes to take charge of matches at the 2030 edition.
