Somalia’s Omar Artan Makes History as First World Cup Referee, Wins Presidential Praise

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has congratulated referee Omar Artan for becoming the first Somali selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup. Artan, chosen by FIFA, has built a strong refereeing career in African competitions and is being praised as an inspiration for Somalis, marking a major milestone for the country’s football profile.

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has extended congratulations to referee Omar Artan following his historic selection as the first Somali to officiate at the FIFA World Cup, describing the achievement as a major milestone for both the individual and the country.
Artan, aged 34, was named among 52 referees chosen by FIFA to officiate at the upcoming World Cup finals, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. His inclusion marks a significant breakthrough for Somali football, a nation that has yet to qualify for a senior international football tournament.
President Mohamud praised Artan’s dedication, professionalism, and integrity, noting that his rise in international refereeing serves as a source of inspiration for young Somalis. He emphasized that Artan’s success has helped elevate Somalia’s reputation on the global sporting stage and demonstrates what can be achieved through discipline and commitment.
Artan’s journey to international recognition has been marked by steady progress through refereeing ranks. After becoming a FIFA-listed referee in 2018, he began officiating in Somalia’s domestic league before moving on to higher-profile assignments across Africa. In January 2025, he made history again by becoming the first Somalia-born referee to officiate a CAF Champions League match, taking charge of the game between Mamelodi Sundowns and Pyramids FC in Cairo.
His growing reputation was further cemented when he officiated at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, one of the continent’s most prestigious tournaments. In 2025, he was recognized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as the Men’s Referee of the Year, highlighting his consistency and high performance at the continental level.
Although he was initially selected for officiating duties at the AFCON finals in Morocco earlier this year, he did not ultimately take part in the tournament. Despite this, his career trajectory has continued upward, culminating in his World Cup appointment.
Somalia’s football scene has also shown signs of progress in recent times. The national team continues to build experience in international competitions, and in March it achieved a notable victory by defeating Mauritius on penalties to advance to the group stage of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for the first time. The upcoming AFCON finals will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking another historic moment for East African football.