World Cup 2026: Turned away from the USA, referee Omar Artan welcomed as a hero in Somalia (video)

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, turned away by the United States at Miami airport on June 6, 2026 while he was to officiate at the 2026 World Cup, was welcomed as a hero in Mogadishu on June 10. Hundreds of supporters and government officials were present. FIFA excluded him from the competition, and Somalia conducted diplomatic efforts without success. Artan remains positive and focuses on his refereeing career.