All African referees selected to officiate at the 2026 World Cup have now received their visas and are ready for the tournament.
Preparations have officially begun with the start of the training seminar, which is being attended by all the selected match officials.
The exception is Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, whose situation remains uncertain.
Considered one of the continent’s top referees, the official who recently officiated the CAF Women’s Champions League final between AS FAR and Mamelodi Sundowns is the sole exception on the list.
He is still awaiting approval of his visa despite numerous efforts made in Kenya.
While Artan works to resolve his administrative issues, his African colleagues are already fully focused on the FIFA preparatory seminar.
Continental soccer authorities are hoping for a swift resolution to allow the Somali referee to join the group under the best possible conditions before the competition kicks off.
