Somalia's Omar Abdulkadir Artan makes history with FIFA World Cup referee selection

Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been selected as a match official for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking the first time a Somali referee will take part in the global tournament. FIFA announced its list of 52 central referees for the competition, set to run from 11 June to 19 July, on Thursday. Artan is among the officials chosen from across the six continental confederations.

While the Somali national team has never qualified for a World Cup, Artan has established himself as a leading figure in African refereeing. He has been a FIFA-listed international referee since 2018 and was named the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) Referee of the Year in 2025. His primary experience comes from officiating in the Somali Premier League.

The historic appointment was celebrated within Somalia, with President Hassan Mohamud praising Artan's professionalism and integrity. In a statement, Mohamud said the referee had become an inspiration for a new generation of Somalians. The selection is seen as a significant milestone for football development in the country.

Artan’s inclusion continues a trend of World Cup firsts for match officials, following the selection of female referees for the 2022 tournament in Qatar. His appointment is based on his performances in CAF competitions and on the international stage over several years. According to FIFA, all selected officials will undergo comprehensive preparation programs ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

For Somali football, Artan’s breakthrough provides a point of pride and a potential catalyst for the sport’s growth. It places a Somali official on the world’s biggest sporting stage, independent of the national team’s competitive fortunes. His performance in 2026 will be closely watched, with the potential to pave the way for future Somali referees at elite levels of the game.