World Cup referee denied US entry arrives home to hero's welcome in Somalia

Omar Artan vows to officiate at the 2030 tournament instead, following his ban from entering the US.

Omar Artan, a Somali referee set to be the first from his country to officiate at a World Cup, was denied entry into the U.S. and received a hero's welcome upon returning to Mogadishu, pledging to attend the next World Cup.

Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was denied entry to the U.S., returned to Mogadishu to a warm reception, expressing plans to participate in future World Cups and urging Somali youth to take pride in their country.

Omar Artan, a Somali referee who was denied entry to the U.S. ahead of the FIFA World Cup, returned to Mogadishu to a hero's welcome, with crowds gathering to support him and express national pride.