MOGADISHU, Somalia – Umar Abdulkadir Artan has made history as the first Somali referee to be selected for a FIFA World Cup tournament, marking a landmark moment for Somali football on the global stage.
Artan was chosen among three central referees from Africa for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in Chile between September 27 and October 19. He will be the only representative from Sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the significance of his appointment.
He joins Morocco’s Jalal Jayed and Algeria’s Youcef Gamouh, two of the continent’s most experienced referees.
Artan has steadily built his reputation in African football officiating. He was previously the first Somali referee to officiate a continental final, overseeing Pyramids FC of Egypt against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo. He also officiated in the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Alongside Artan, assistant referees from across Africa were also selected, including Gilbert Cheruiyot (Kenya), Abelmiro Montenegro (São Tomé and Príncipe), Khalil Hassani (Tunisia), Eric Ayimavo (Benin), Lahsen Azgaou (Morocco), and Mostafa Akarkad (Morocco).
Artan’s selection is more than a personal achievement — it’s a historic milestone for Somalia, a country where football has long been a unifying force despite decades of conflict and instability. His success is seen as a symbol of resilience and ambition for Somali sports.
As Artan prepares to take the field in Chile, Somali fans at home and abroad are celebrating his appointment as proof that Somali talent can thrive on the world stage, even in arenas long thought out of reach.
