Somali referee denied U.S. entry feted as hero at home

Somali referee Omar Abdikarim Hassan returned to a hero's welcome in Mogadishu after being barred from officiating at the 2026 World Cup by the United States. Hassan, who was set to be the first Somali referee at a World Cup, was denied entry to the U.S. despite possessing a valid visa and diplomatic passport.

“

My people, my homeland.

U.S. authorities stated that Hassan was refused entry after a background check, later adding that he had suspected ties to individuals associated with terrorist organizations. The international football federation FIFA subsequently removed him from the list of 52 referees selected for the tournament.

“

If God wills, I will definitely participate in the next World Cup.

Hassan, who was named African Referee of the Year for 2025, expressed gratitude to the Somali government, its people, and FIFA. "If God wills, I will definitely participate in the next World Cup," he declared, emphasizing that defending Somalia's name is a collective responsibility. He was greeted by government officials, football association representatives, and enthusiastic citizens upon his arrival at Mogadishu's airport.

“

It is the responsibility of all of us to protect the name of Somalia. Somalia is our country, whether the situation is good or bad. The flag is ours, and the passport is ours.