MOGADISHU — President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has extended his congratulations to referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan after he became the first Somali referee selected to officiate at a FIFA World Cup tournament.
The president praised Artan’s achievement as a historic milestone for the nation, highlighting the referee’s role in elevating Somalia’s reputation on the international stage.
“This valuable achievement elevates the reputation of Somalia, and at the same time demonstrates the capability and talent of the Somali youth who aspire to represent their country in the international arena,” President Hassan Sheikh said.
“I commend the effort, professionalism, and integrity shown by Referee Omar, as he has become a symbol of inspiration for the new generation of Somalis.”
Historic Selection for 2026 World Cup
Artan’s selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marks a groundbreaking moment for Somali football. He is among seven African referees chosen for the tournament, which will feature 48 teams and a record 104 matches.
The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, and Artan will join fellow African officials including South Africa’s Tom Abongile, Algeria’s Mustapha Ghorbal, Egypt’s Amin Mohamed Omar, Mauritania’s Dahane Beida, Gabon’s Pierre Ghislain Atcho, and Morocco’s Jalal Jayed.
FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina described the selected officials as “the very best in the world,” noting that they were identified and assessed through a rigorous process spanning more than three years.
From Mogadishu’s Streets to Global Stage
Born in Mogadishu in 1992, Artan became a FIFA-listed referee in 2018. His rise from Somalia’s war-scarred capital to international recognition has been defined by resilience and excellence. He made history in January 2024 as the first Somali to officiate at the Africa Cup of Nations, overseeing the Group E match between Tunisia and Namibia.
He later became the first Somali referee to take charge of a continental final, officiating the match between Egypt’s Pyramids FC and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Cairo. Artan has also officiated matches at the CAF Champions League and was among only three center referees selected from Africa for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in Chile.
CAF Best Referee of the Year 2025
In November 2025, Artan was crowned the CAF Best Male Referee of the Year at the CAF Awards ceremony held in Rabat, Morocco. The award recognized his exceptional performances throughout the year, during which he officiated several high-profile continental matches.
Following that achievement, President Hassan Sheikh hosted Artan at the Presidential Palace in Mogadishu. At that meeting, the president emphasized that Artan’s success reflects his professionalism, dedication, and exceptional effort, and expressed confidence that the referee would continue to reach even higher levels on the international stage.
Somali Football Federation Hails Achievement
Somali Football Federation president Ali Abdi Mohamed (Ali Shiino) has described Artan’s selection for the World Cup as a great honor for Somalia and a powerful motivation for the nation’s youth.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports has also hailed Artan’s achievement as a source of national pride and inspiration for aspiring athletes across the country.
Artan responded to his World Cup selection with a simple expression of gratitude, saying “Alhamdulillah” — a reaction that captured the pride of a nation. For Somali communities worldwide, his presence at the World Cup represents more than sport; it is representation, resilience, and hope.
Inspiring a New Generation
Artan’s journey from chasing football dreams on Mogadishu’s dusty pitches to officiating on football’s biggest stage serves as a powerful example for Somali youth. What began as a passion for the game transformed into a calling, not as a player, but as one entrusted to uphold its integrity.
His success has been supported by FIFA training programs, which resumed in Somalia after being halted for many years due to the unstable security situation. With improved conditions, FIFA restarted its referee development initiatives, and Artan emerged as one of the key beneficiaries of those programs.
“Referee Omar is a symbol of the talent, determination, and high-level professional skills of our youth,” the president said. “He has succeeded in elevating the name of the Somali nation in general and the youth in particular, representing them honourably in international arenas. This historic victory is well deserved.”
