'This was my World Cup': How Somali referee barred from U.S. made it to UEFA Super Cup

Somali referee Omar Artan, 34, was denied entry to the United States on June 6, 2026 — his birthday — after being held for 11 hours by U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Miami International Airport, despite holding a diplomatic passport and valid visa, preventing him from becoming the first Somali to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. The rejection set off an unexpected chain of events that ultimately led to Artan officiating the UEFA Super Cup. Artan had originally taken up refereeing in Mogadishu after an injury ended his playing career at a young age.