Five people of Somali heritage set for FIFA World Cup spotlight despite Somalia’s absence

As the FIFA World Cup unfolds across the Americas, five individuals of Somali heritage will be involved in the tournament despite Somalia not being among the participating nations.

Their roles span both officiating and playing positions for different national teams, highlighting Somali representation on football’s biggest stage. Across the Somali diaspora, fans are closely following the tournament as players and officials with Somali roots feature in matches involving multiple countries.

Omar Abdulkadir Artan will make history as a referee at the FIFA World Cup after earning selection through FIFA’s international officiating system. He has previously officiated in African and international competitions, overseeing matches under various tournament regulations.

Artan has also worked in qualification fixtures and continental tournaments, gaining extensive experience managing games in different stadiums and competitive environments. At the World Cup, his responsibilities will include enforcing the laws of the game, coordinating with assistant referees and making key decisions as part of the officiating team.

Meanwhile, Akram Afif will represent Qatar in the attack. Born to a Somali father and a Yemeni mother, Afif has been a key figure for Qatar in regional competitions, including AFC Asian Cup campaigns that ended in championship success.

Known for his creativity, movement and attacking contributions, Afif is expected to play a leading role as Qatar competes in its group-stage matches. His participation has also drawn attention within discussions about Somali diaspora representation in international football.

Midfielder Anis Ben Slimane will represent Denmark after rising through the country's youth football system before earning a place in the senior national team. His development through Danish club football paved the way for a professional career and international selection.

For Denmark, Ben Slimane contributes through ball progression, defensive work and passing in central midfield. His inclusion in the squad places him among the players representing the country at major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup.

Sweden’s Taha Ali will also feature at the tournament. Operating primarily in wide attacking positions, he is known for his runs down the flanks, movement in advanced areas and involvement in attacking build-up play.

Another player with Somali heritage, Mukhtar Ali, will represent Saudi Arabia. As a midfielder for the Green Falcons, he plays an important role in ball distribution, transitions between defence and attack, and maintaining central control during matches.

Together, Taha Ali and Mukhtar Ali add to the growing presence of players with Somali roots across different national teams competing in the World Cup.

The involvement of these five individuals — spanning both refereeing and playing roles — ensures Somali heritage is represented in multiple aspects of the FIFA World Cup. Their progress throughout the tournament will be closely followed by Somali communities around the world as the competition moves from the group stage to the knockout rounds across venues in the Americas.