By Nuh Mohamed - Reporter
Somalia, July 11 2026 – Somalia's national football team increasingly features players from the diaspora, reflecting greater opportunities available to footballers based abroad, the youth and sports minister said.
Speaking on Miizaan Podcast, produced by Dawan Media, Minister Mohamed Abdulkadir Ali said overseas-based players now form the majority of Somalia's senior national team but stressed that selection was determined by performance rather than where a player lives.
"The national team is made up mostly of young players from the diaspora," the minister said.
He said players were selected on their current form and their ability to fit the tactical approach of the national team's coaching staff.
"Players are chosen because they are competing at the international level, are in good form and fit the coach's philosophy," Abdulkadir said.
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The minister said Somali players living abroad generally had access to better football development opportunities, training environments and competitive leagues than those available domestically, making them more likely to earn places in the national squad.
He credited diaspora players with helping improve the team's performances and reputation in recent years.
Abdulkadir said the Somali Football Federation and the national team's technical staff sought to give all eligible Somali players an opportunity to represent the country, regardless of where they live, with selection based on merit.
He added that the ministry's objective was to ensure every qualified Somali footballer, whether based inside the country or overseas, had an equal opportunity to compete for a place in the national team.