A total of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials have been selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with no Nigerian referees on the list.
FIFA released the list after a three-year selection process involving monitoring, training and assessment across domestic and international competitions.
The officials, drawn from six confederations and 50 member associations, make up the largest group of match officials in World Cup history.
“The selected match officials are the very best in the world,” said Pierluigi Collina.
“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 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches, making it the largest edition of the competition.
“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,” Collina 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.”
Officials will undergo daily training during the tournament, supported by analysts, fitness coaches and medical staff.
Technology, including goal-line technology, semi-automated offside and connected ball systems, will be used to assist decision-making. Referee body cameras will also be introduced to provide on-field perspectives.
Massimo Busacca said preparations started after the 2022 World Cup.
“The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 began immediately after the conclusion of Qatar 2022, with a structured programme involving seminars, workshops and continuous monitoring,” Busacca said.
The officials will gather in Miami on May 31 for a 10-day seminar before the tournament begins.
Full list of appointed match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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