The Somali government has expressed disappointment after international referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was unable to take up his role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup following his denial of entry into the United States.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Somalia's Ministry of Youth and Sports said it deeply regretted the circumstances that prevented Artan from participating in the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Despite the setback, the government pledged to continue supporting the referee's career.

The ministry said it became aware that Artan had encountered difficulties with entry authourisation into the United States after arriving in Miami.

Diplomatic efforts

"After it became known that Referee Omar Artan had encountered difficulties related to entry authorisation into the United States (Entry Denied), the Ministry, in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Presidency of the Federal Republic of Somalia, undertook diplomatic efforts and extensive discussions with the United States Government and FIFA to find an urgent solution to the matter," the statement said.

The ministry regretted that, despite “intensive efforts, it was not possible to reach a resolution."

World football governing body FIFA confirmed on Monday that Artan would not officiate at the tournament after being refused entry into the United States.

"FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after he was denied entry into the United States," a FIFA spokesperson said.

‘Routine inspection’

A spokesperson for United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said Artan was denied entry following a routine inspection.

Artan's exclusion has drawn significant attention in Somalia and across African football circles because he was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.

The Ministry of Youth and Sports described Artan as "a clear example of the talent, resilience, and dedication of Somali youth" and said his achievements on the international stage had brought pride and prestige to Somalia.

The ministry added that Artan's success demonstrated that "the challenges and difficult circumstances facing the country have not prevented Somali youth from reaching the highest international levels."