2026 World Cup : FIFA names 170 officials for 104 matches

FIFA has officially announced the referees, assistant referees, and video match officials who will oversee games at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, set to be the largest in the tournament’s history.

A total of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials from all six confederations and 50 Member Associations have been selected for the global event, marking the most extensive lineup of match officials ever appointed for a World Cup.

The selection process, spanning over three years, prioritized quality, consistency, and performance in both domestic and international competitions.

Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, highlighted the rigorous preparation of the officials, saying: “The selected match officials are the very best in the world.

They have been monitored, evaluated, and supported by fitness coaches, medical staff, and mental specialists to ensure optimal physical and mental readiness for the tournament.”

The 2026 edition will feature 48 teams and 104 matches across three host countries Canada, Mexico, and the United States requiring FIFA Team One to be the largest in World Cup history.

Six women match officials have also been selected, continuing the trend begun at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to promote and develop women’s refereeing.

Officials will undergo daily training sessions, including participation from local players, and will have access to comprehensive match analysis to prepare for each game.

Technology will also play a central role, with goal-line technology, an advanced semi-automated offside system, and connected ball technology in use.

For the first time, fans will be able to see live action from the referee’s on-field perspective through new technologies.

Massimo Busacca, FIFA Director of Refereeing, emphasized the structured preparation for officials: “The road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 began immediately after Qatar 2022, with seminars, workshops, and continuous monitoring to ensure candidates achieve the highest standards.”

Team One will assemble in Miami on 31 May for a ten-day preparation seminar.

Video match officials will then move to Dallas, home to the International Broadcast Centre, while referees and assistants remain in Miami.

FIFA also confirmed that new measures to enhance match tempo and reduce time-wasting, approved by the International Football Association Board, will be implemented, alongside adjustments to the video assistant referee (VAR) system.

Stabilized AI-powered referee body cameras will provide fans with a clearer view of on-field events, further improving transparency and engagement.

The full list of match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026 is now available as the countdown begins to what promises to be a historic edition of the tournament.