World Cup 2026 (Q): Omar Abdelkadir Artan to referee the blockbuster clash between DR Congo and Senegal
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His youth is not a handicap: on the contrary, it brings energy and determination to this decisive match.
World Cup 2026 (Q): Omar Abdelkadir Artan to referee the blockbuster clash between DR Congo and Senegal
On Tuesday, September 9, DR Congo will host Senegal in a pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifying clash. Taking charge of this high-stakes fixture is a young Somali referee.
His name is Omar Abdelkadir Artan. At just 33 years old, he has already carved out a reputation on the continent after eight years as an international referee. Artan has officiated matches at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and oversaw the recent CAF Champions League final second leg between Pyramids FC and Mamelodi Sundowns. He has also been selected for the final phase of the U20 World Cup. Despite his youth, Artan is renowned for his discipline and composure under pressure—vital qualities for a showdown like DR Congo vs Senegal.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan has made history as the first #Somali referee selected to officiate at a FIFA World Cup tournament, joining as one of three African centre referees for the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 in #Chile.
Artan, a trailblazer in Somali football, will represent… pic.twitter.com/bdKJIBjUIr— Frontier Online (@FrontierOnlineK) September 6, 2025
The stakes in DR Congo vs Senegal
DR Congo leads their group with 16 points and a goal difference of +8. A win over Senegal would put the Leopards in prime position to finish top, while a draw would keep their hopes alive for the final two matches against Togo and Sudan.
Le Stade des martyrs est prêt pour accueillir le choc de ce mardi entre les Léopards de la #RDC et les Lions de la teranga du #Sénégal, dans le cadre de la 8e journée des éliminatoires à la coupe du monde 2026.
Cette enceinte sportive a reçu la visite d’un inspecteur de la… pic.twitter.com/rTqKojBnIe— INFOS7.CD (@Infos7cd) September 8, 2025
Senegal, with 15 points and a goal difference of +9, have no margin for error: they need an away victory to stay in the hunt for direct qualification.
The referee at the heart of the action
Omar Abdelkadir Artan will be at the very center of the action. His ability to keep the match under control and enforce the rules will be scrutinized by both teams and the crowd. His youth is not a handicap: on the contrary, it injects energy and resolve into this decisive encounter.
🇨🇩⚡ RDC – Sénégal : le Somalien Omar Artan au sifflet !
Prometteur et respecté sur le continent, il avait arbitré la finale de la Ligue des Champions (Pyramids vs Sundowns). Demain, il retrouvera les Léopards pour un nouveau défi de taille.#Leopardsfoot#CAN2025pic.twitter.com/hrY409l9Dg— Masolo ya sport (@MasoloSport) September 8, 2025
Will his whistle guide the Leopards to victory, or will the Lions of Teranga accomplish their mission in Kinshasa? All of Africa will be watching this duel closely.
