Somalia, 9 April 2026 — Somali referee Omar Abdulqadir Artan has been selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a historic achievement for the country’s sporting community.
According to Somali Football Federation officials, Artan is one of the referees selected to officiate in the global tournament scheduled for June.
“I would like to congratulate referee Omar Abdulqadir Artan, who has been selected among the referees for the World Cup,” said the President of Somali Football Federation, Ali Abdi Mohamed.
The selection is another major achievement for Artan, after having been nominated as CAF Best Male Referee for the year 2025.
Related articles
Mohamed praised Artan’s dedication, skills, and progress at the international level, noting that the appointment represents a significant honour for Somalia.
“I wish him success and the ability to fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him effectively,” he added.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and is expected to be the largest edition of the tournament to date.

