Omar Abdulkadir Artan makes history as first Somali referee at FIFA World Cup

Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has made history by becoming the first from his country to officiate at a FIFA World Cup.

Artan took charge of the opening Group A match at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, where the United States recorded a commanding 9-1 victory over debutants New Caledonia at Estadio El Teniente on Monday. The U.S. set new national records for goals scored and margin of victory at the tournament, with captain Benjamin Cremaschi netting a first-half hat trick.

The appointment marks another major milestone in Artan’s rising career. He first broke new ground in 2024 by becoming the first Somali referee to officiate an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, before taking charge of the CAF Confederation Cup final between Pyramids FC of Egypt and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa.

At the U-20 World Cup, he is being supported by Kenyan assistant referee Gilbert Cheruiyot and Abelmiro Montenegro of São Tomé and Príncipe.

Artan is one of only three centre referees selected from Africa, and the only one from Sub-Saharan Africa.

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