World

Referee Omar Artan hailed as hero in Somalia

Updated 2026-06-10 21:55 UTC 1 source Neutral

Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the U.S. for the World Cup, but received a hero's welcome at home after his dream of participating was thwarted.

Coverage timeline — 1 article

NPR

Somali World Cup referee denied U.S. entry, hailed as hero at home

A World Cup dream denied — Somali referee Omar Artan receives a hero's welcome at home after being blocked from entering the United States and taking part in the World Cup.

2026-06-10 20:45 UTC