Somali World Cup referee denied U.S. entry, hailed as hero at home

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan greets fans who show support for him, after he was denied entry into the United States where he had traveled to take part in the World Cup and was forced to return to his country, in Mogadishu, Somalia on June 10, 2026. Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin/Anadolu via Getty Images hide caption

Days after he was denied entry to the United States, Omar Artan arrived home to a hero's welcome. Government officials greeted him at the airport with flowers, and fans draped him in the sky-blue Somali flag.

In the capital of Mogadishu, thousands packed into a stadium—not for a soccer match, but to celebrate the referee. There, Artan was hoisted onto shoulders to the cheers of the crowd, a symbol of national pride in a country often disparaged on the world stage.

"What happened has happened and it was fate. I am grateful for the support FIFA gave me," Artan told reporters upon his arrival in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu.

Artan, who was poised to become Somalia's first-ever World Cup referee, told supporters he remains determined.

"I will attend the next World Cup," he told local media. "We should strive for our country and defend it. We should never be disappointed. I love my country, and I encourage young people to continue pursuing their goals."

Over the weekend, Artan was denied entry by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Miami International Airport. The decision, despite his holding a diplomatic passport and valid visa, was defended by Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup task force. "Anyone who is communicating with bad actors that plan harm against the United States of America are not gonna be admitted entrance."

A Trump administration official, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged Artan had associated with "suspected members of terror organizations." NPR has reached out to Artan for comment but has yet to receive a response.