Somalia's government has expressed regret over referee Omar Artan's inability to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to entry issues with the United States. Despite diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter, Artan was unable to secure entry in time for the tournament.
The absence of Artan, a prominent Somali referee, marks a missed opportunity for Somalia to be represented on the global football stage. The government had been actively involved in attempts to facilitate his travel, underscoring the significance of his potential participation.