VANCOUVER — Canadian leader backs Somali referee Omar Artan for World Cup role
Support for Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan continued to grow on Wednesday after British Columbia Premier David Eby said he would be welcomed in the province following reports that he was denied entry to the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Eby said Artan, who has been praised for his achievements and resilience, should be allowed to officiate matches in Vancouver, one of the tournament’s host cities.
The comments come amid growing international attention on Artan’s case after reports that he was unable to enter the United States, co-host of the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico under FIFA.
Football fans and supporters online have also expressed solidarity, arguing that Artan’s historic selection as the first Somali referee to reach the World Cup stage should not be overshadowed by immigration-related issues.
The 2026 tournament will be jointly hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and will be the first World Cup expanded to 48 teams.
