Tag: Somali Football

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.

Somalia’s national football team, the Ocean Stars, has departed for Mozambique, where they will face Mauritius in a pivotal preliminary-round qualifier for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Head coach Yusuf Ali Nur has named a full 23-man squad for the decisive encounter.