Omar Artan, a referee from Somalia, received a hero’s welcome upon his return to Mogadishu after being denied entry to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The homecoming saw crowds of supporters gather to celebrate Artan and show their solidarity following hs controversial exclusion from the tournament.

Hundreds of supporters, government officials and members of Somalia’s football community assembled at Aden Adde International Airport at 8:30 a.m. local time to welcome Artan home. As the plane arrived Wednesday, June 10, fans waved national flags, chanted Artan’s name and crowded around him, draping a Somali flag over his shoulders.

"I promise you, God willing, that I will attend the next one," Artan told the cheering crowd as they waved Somali flags in support, according to the Associated Press. "I want the Somali public to take comfort in this and remain confident. Our journey does not end here."

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