World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has expressed solidarity with Somali referee Omar Artan after he was denied entry into the United States and subsequently removed from the list of officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Artan was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup finals tournament, marking a historic milestone for both Somalia and African football.
However, his dream was cut short after he was reportedly barred from entering the US at Miami International Airport and repatriated.
No official reason has been provided by US immigration authorities for the decision. However, Somalia is among several countries affected by travel restrictions introduced by the US administration.
Tedros Praises Artan’s Historic Achievement
Reacting to the development, Tedros praised Artan’s accomplishments and encouraged him to remain resilient despite the setback.
“Omar Artan didn’t just make the FIFA World Cup, he made history as the first Somali referee to get there, and as Africa’s best. That milestone stands no matter what,” Tedros said.
He added that Artan had already inspired a generation of young Somalis by reaching the highest level of football officiating.
“You reached the summit of your profession and inspired a generation back home just by getting there. Being kept off the pitch you earned doesn’t change that,” he said.
Tedros further expressed confidence that Artan’s international career was far from over, noting that “this won’t be the end of your story on the world stage.”
CAF Referee of the Year Misses Historic Opportunity
Artan’s exclusion comes despite a remarkable rise in African football. He was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 and had been selected among the match officials for the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026.
The tournament, which begins on June 11 and runs until July 19, is the largest World Cup in history. Hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the competition features 48 national teams competing across 104 matches.
Opening fixtures include Mexico against South Africa in Mexico City and Korea Republic versus Czechia in Guadalajara on June 11.
The following day, Canada will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto, while hosts USA take on Paraguay in Los Angeles.
Artan’s removal has sparked concern among football elites and supporters, with many questioning how immigration policies could affect participation in a tournament promoted as a global celebration of sport.
