FIFA has said the 2026 World Cup will feature the best referees after completing its selection process.
A total of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials have been appointed from six confederations and 50 member associations.
FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer and chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, said, “The selected match officials are the very best in the world. They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years.
“They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments. In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed.
“The selected officials have received, and will continue to receive, comprehensive support from our fitness coaches and medical staff, including physiotherapists and a mental specialist.
“Our goal is to ensure that they’re in optimal physical and mental condition when they arrive in Miami on 31 May.”
The tournament, to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature 48 teams and 104 matches.
Collina said the number of officials is higher than in previous editions, with six women included.
“This year’s FIFA World Cup will be the biggest in history, with a 48-team line-up and 104 matches to be contested across the most extensive geographical footprint in the tournament’s history,” he said.
“It’ll be the largest FIFA Team One ever, with 41 more match officials than at Qatar 2022. Each of them must be ready to be appointed for a match and to contribute actively to ensuring that the refereeing at the World Cup is a success.
“The fact that six women match officials have been selected continues a trend that was started four years ago in Qatar as we aim to further develop women’s refereeing.”
He added that officials will undergo training and use technology during the competition.
“As at previous World Cups, technology will play an important role in supporting match officials in their decision-making.
“Goal-line technology, an advanced version of semi-automated offside technology and connected ball technology will be used, while for the first time in World Cup history, fans will be able to see things from the referee’s on-field perspective thanks to the use of new technologies,” Collina concluded.
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