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Somali World Cup referee denied U.S. entry, hailed as hero at home

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Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan greets fans who show support for him, after he was denied entry into the United States where he had traveled to take part in the World Cup and was forced to return to his country, in Mogadishu, Somalia on June 10, 2026.

A World Cup dream denied — Somali referee Omar Artan receives a hero’s welcome at home after being blocked from entering the United States and taking part in the World Cup.

(Image credit: Abuukar Mohamed Muhidin)