Somali international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan is facing uncertainty ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid reports that he has yet to receive a United States (US) visa, raising questions about whether he will be able to participate in football’s biggest tournament despite being selected as one of the match officials.
Omar made history in April when FIFA named him among the referees chosen to officiate at the World Cup, becoming the first Somali referee ever selected for the global tournament. The competition is scheduled to take place across the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 and will feature teams and officials from around the world.
His appointment was widely celebrated in Somalia and across the region, with football officials describing the selection as an important moment for Somali football. The achievement marked the latest milestone in a career that has seen Artan rise from domestic competitions in Somalia to some of the biggest tournaments on the African continent.
However, reports indicate that Omar has not yet secured a visa to enter the US, even as other referees and match officials selected for the tournament have reportedly completed travel arrangements and begun preparations ahead of the event.
The reported delay has created concern among football supporters and officials who fear that the visa process could affect his participation in the tournament if approval is not granted in time.
Omar's selection followed years of progress at the international level. He became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018 and has since handled several major matches organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
In 2024, he became the first Somali referee to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when he took charge of a group-stage match between Tunisia and Namibia. He later officiated matches in the CAF Champions League, further strengthening his reputation on the continent.
His rise through the ranks earned him recognition from both FIFA and the Somali Football Federation, which praised his dedication and contribution to the sport.
When FIFA announced the list of officials for the 2026 World Cup, Somali football leaders described the appointment as a source of pride for the country and a sign that Somali football was gaining recognition on the international stage.
The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament hosted by three countries. FIFA has appointed dozens of referees, assistant referees and video match officials from member associations across the world to oversee the competition.
The governing body says officials selected for the tournament undergo a lengthy preparation process that includes seminars, training sessions and technical assessments before the opening match.
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