For the roughly 60,000 Somali Americans who call central Ohio home, the Somali national soccer team was among the 163 national teams that did not make to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
But one of Somalia's own still found a place on soccer's biggest stage.
Omar Artan, who was named Africa's top male referee in 2025, was selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, making him the first Somali referee chosen for the tournament. For many Somalis in Columbus and around the world, Artan's appointment was a rare moment of international representation and pride.
That excitement turned to disappointment when Artan was denied entry into the United States on June 6 despite reportedly holding a valid visa.
"It was disheartening," said Jamila Gurhan, a Columbus community advocate and small-business owner. "He worked very hard to get there because not every person makes it to that level in their career."
But one of Somalia's own still found a place on soccer's biggest stage.
Omar Artan, who was named Africa's top male referee in 2025, was selected by FIFA to officiate at the World Cup, making him the first Somali referee chosen for the tournament. For many Somalis in Columbus and around the world, Artan's appointment was a rare moment of international representation and pride.
That excitement turned to disappointment when Artan was denied entry into the United States on June 6 despite reportedly holding a valid visa.
"It was disheartening," said Jamila Gurhan, a Columbus community advocate and small-business owner. "He worked very hard to get there because not every person makes it to that level in their career."
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