Thursday April 9, 2026
Mogadishu (HOL) — Somali international referee Omar Abdulqadir Artan has been selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first Somali referee in history to be appointed to football’s most prestigious tournament.
Artan’s inclusion on FIFA’s official list of match officials for the tournament set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marks a landmark achievement for Somali football and a significant moment for the country’s presence on the global sporting stage.
“Congratulations to Referee Omar Abdulqadir Artan who has written a new history for Somali football, becoming one of the referees for the 2026 World Cup,” the ministry said.
Artan responded briefly to the announcement on his Facebook page, writing, “Alhamdulillah,” expressing gratitude and joy at the achievement.
The President of the Somali Football Federation (SFF), Ali Abdi Mohamed, also praised Artan’s accomplishment, calling it a source of national pride and inspiration for young Somalis aspiring to reach international levels in sport.
“Omar’s selection is a great honor for Somalia and a powerful motivation for our youth,” Ali Shiino, as he is widely known, said in a congratulatory message, wishing the referee success in fulfilling his duties with distinction at the World Cup.
Artan’s appointment follows a series of historic milestones. In 2025, he became the first Somali to officiate a Confederation of African Football (CAF) continental final, refereed matches at the Africa Cup of Nations and was named CAF’s Best Male Referee of the Year, unprecedented achievements for Somali sport. In recognition of his impact, Hiiraan Online named him Person of the Year 2025.
Born in Mogadishu during the civil war, Artan rose through local leagues despite limited resources and opportunities in a football system disrupted by decades of conflict. His steady progress earned him a place on FIFA’s international referees list in 2018, positioning him among a small number of Somali professionals operating at the highest levels of global sport.
Somalia’s football sector has long faced challenges, including intermittent domestic competitions and past suspensions of its football federation, which limited exposure and development opportunities for referees and players alike. Artan’s rise has therefore been widely viewed as a symbol of resilience, professionalism and the country’s gradual re-emergence in international sport.
Artan’s appointment to officiate at the World Cup in the United States comes at a time when Somali communities there, particularly in Minnesota, have faced heightened political rhetoric and increased immigration scrutiny during President Donald Trump’s administration. For many Somali Americans, seeing a Somali referee entrusted with upholding the integrity of the world’s most watched sporting event has become a powerful moment of representation, resilience and collective pride.
