FIFA Unveils Match Officials for 2026 World Cup
FIFA has announced the list of match officials who will take charge of games at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a detailed selection process that lasted more than three years.
A total of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials have been chosen from all six confederations and 50 Member Associations. This marks the largest group of officials ever selected for the tournament.
The selection was based on quality and consistency, with performances at top-level competitions carefully assessed over time. The officials were also monitored during FIFA tournaments, as well as domestic and international matches.
FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, said the selected officials are among the best in the world. He explained that they have gone through extensive preparation, including seminars and regular performance checks, to ensure they meet the highest standards.
He added that the 2026 World Cup will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across three host countries. According to him, this has led to the need for a larger group of referees compared to previous editions.
Collina also confirmed that six women match officials have been included, continuing the progress made in recent tournaments to promote women in refereeing.
The officials will be based in Miami, where they will begin a ten-day preparation seminar on May 31. During the competition, they will train daily, with support from fitness coaches, medical staff and match analysts to keep them in top condition.
Video match officials will later move to Dallas, where the International Broadcast Centre will be located, while referees and assistant referees will remain in Miami.
Technology is expected to play a key role during the tournament. Goal-line technology, an improved semi-automated offside system and connected ball technology will all be used to support decision-making. Fans will also be able to see the game from the referee’s perspective through new camera technology.
FIFA’s Director of Refereeing, Massimo Busacca, said the journey to the 2026 World Cup began immediately after the last edition, with continuous training and monitoring of candidates to ensure they reach the highest level.
FIFA also confirmed that new measures aimed at improving match tempo and reducing time-wasting will be introduced, along with updates to the video assistant referee system.
With preparations now in place, FIFA believes the selected officials will play a key role in delivering a successful and historic World Cup.
