Somalian referee, Omar Artan, who was banned from entering the United States to officiate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, was given a heroic welcome by hundreds of people who gathered at the Mogadishu Airport yesterday.

He landed at Aden Adde International Airport in Mogadishu, where he was greeted by government officials and representatives of the Somali Football Federation, as well as fellow referees and residents. He has vowed to continue with his refereeing career and will officiate at the 2030 World Cup.

The 34-year-old Artan, who was voted Africa’s referee of the year in 2025, was set to be the first Somali to referee at a World Cup finals, but was denied entry at Miami International Airport on Monday despite holding a diplomatic passport and a single-entry US visa.

No reason was given by U.S. immigration authorities for his repatriation, but Somalia is one of several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump.

Some Somalians in the crowd carried banners with supportive slogans while others wore specially made hats bearing pictures of the referee, who has quickly become an icon in his homeland.

There were also social media celebrities who posed for photos with Artan and live-streamed the welcome on their platforms.

Amid the celebratory reception, there was also visible anger that the first Somali appointed as a World Cup referee had been denied entry to the United States.

His ban by the U.S. government notwithstanding, Artan was very happy with the welcome he received in Somalia. The determined look on his face backed up the statements he has made about continuing his career, in addition to his determination to start training right away.

Artan was expected to attend a public event at Mogadishu Stadium yesterday and watch a match between Heegan and Dekadaha.

“I would like to thank the officials, ministers, MPs and everyone. I want to thank my country and people for their support. The encouragement I received here, I know I’ll get more support outside (the airport),” Artan said, translated into English by the BBC.