World Health Organization director general Dr Tedros Adhanom /HANDOUT
World Health Organization director general Tedros Ghebreyesus has sent a heartfelt message to Omar Arta, a Somali referee barred from entering the US for the Fifa World Cup 2026.
Artan, who had been selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament, was poised to make history as the first Somali referee ever chosen for a FIFA World Cup.
However, his dream came to an abrupt halt when US authorities denied him entry upon arrival in Miami, citing unspecified “vetting concerns.”
FIFA later confirmed that the Somali official would be unable to participate in the competition because all referees are required to complete training and preparations at the tournament's centralised base in the US.
In a heartfelt message shared publicly, WHO chief Tedros expressed support for Artan, praising his achievements and reminding him that his historic accomplishment remains untouched.
“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,” Tedros said.
“You reached the summit of your profession and inspired a generation back home just by getting there, and being kept off the pitch you earned doesn’t change that.”
Tedros wished him resilience now and many more major finals to come.
The support comes at a difficult moment for Artan, who was named the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Referee of the Year in 2025 and had become a symbol of excellence for a nation striving to make its mark on the global sporting stage.
Despite the disappointment, Artan has refused to let the setback define him.
"Despite the circumstances, I am in a positive mood and I am focused on the next challenges in my refereeing career,” he said after the decision was confirmed.
For many Somalis, Tedros’ message captured what millions were feeling. While Artan may not take charge of a World Cup match this year, his journey from Somali football grounds to the highest levels of international officiating has already secured his place in history.
His selection alone shattered barriers, inspired young referees across Africa, and proved that talent can rise above even the most challenging circumstances.
The World Cup will move on without Omar Artan on the field, but his story and the support rallying around him has become one of the tournament’s most powerful human stories.
