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FIFA has officially announced the appointment of referees for the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming a record group of referees who will oversee the largest edition of the tournament to date.
A total of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match referees have been selected from the six confederations and 50 member associations.
The selection follows a meticulous process that lasted more than three years.
How referees were selected
The FIFA Referees Commission, according to its president, Pierluigi Collina, ensured that the best referees were chosen.
“The selected referees are the best in the world. They were part of a larger group of referees that was identified and monitored over the last three years. They have attended seminars and refereed in FIFA tournaments,” revealed Collina.
“In addition, their performances in national and international matches were periodically evaluated.
“The selected referees have received and will continue to receive comprehensive support from our physical trainers and medical staff, including physiotherapists and a mental specialist.
“Our goal is to ensure they are in optimal physical and mental condition when they arrive in Miami on May 31.”
Notable absentees from the list include Jean-Jacques Ndala and Issa Sy, who officiated high-profile matches at AFCON 2026.
The matches were the final and quarter-finals of the tournament, and their performances drew scrutiny and harsh criticism.
Meanwhile, the 2026 World Cup will mark a significant expansion, with 48 teams and 104 matches across three host countries.
Collina highlighted the magnitude of the challenge and the preparation of the selected team.
“This year’s FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever, with a 48-team lineup and 104 matches taking place across the largest geographic footprint in the tournament’s history.
“It will be the largest FIFA Team One of all time, with 41 more referees than in Qatar 2022. Each of them must be prepared to be appointed for a match and actively contribute to ensuring that refereeing at the World Cup is a success.
“The fact that six female referees have been selected continues a trend that began four years ago in Qatar, as we aim to continue developing women’s refereeing.”
In preparation for the tournament, all officials will gather in Miami for a ten-day seminar beginning May 31.
While there, they will undergo intensive training sessions with local players and receive detailed match analysis support.
Video match referees will later relocate to Dallas, which will host the International Broadcast Center, while referees and assistant referees will remain in Miami.
Also read: AFCON 2027 date confirmed… CAF acts differently again
Technology will also play a central role in the tournament, with goal-line technology, an advanced version of semi-automatic offside technology and connected ball systems all confirmed for use.
Additionally, fans will experience a new dimension of the game through referee body cameras, enhanced by artificial intelligence stabilization software to deliver smoother real-time footage from the referees’ perspective.
With the roster now confirmed, FIFA has set the stage for what promises to be a historic World Cup, where the world’s leading referees will play a crucial role in delivering a tournament defined by quality and innovation.
