The 2026 FIFA World Cup referee, Omar Artan, received a hero's welcome in Mogadishu after being denied entry to the US. A crowd of supporters and officials gathered to welcome him, and he revealed plans to attend the next World Cup.
Artan was initially included in FIFA's final list of officials for the tournament but was removed after being denied entry to Miami International Airport over 'vetting concerns'.
In a statement, US Customs and Border Protection said Artan was determined to be inadmissible due to vetting concerns and was denied entry.
Speaking to fans, Artan said, 'I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one.' He also emphasized the importance of defending the Somali name and stated that the flag and passport belong to the Somali people.
The US has implemented new travel restrictions on nearly 40 countries, including Somalia, under Donald Trump's administration.
