“What happened will not disappoint me, and I promise you that I will participate in the 2030 World Cup,” he said. He also urged Somali youth not to lose faith in their country or their passport.
At 34, Omar Artan has broken yet another barrier for Somali football. Selected among just 52 referees for the 2026 World Cup, he earns praise from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud as “a symbol of inspiration” for a generation that has never seen their nation qualify for a global tournament.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan has made history as the first Somali referee to be selected for a FIFA World Cup. He will officiate at the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
