FIFA has revealed the list of referees and officials for the 2026 World Cup. A total of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials from 50 countries will be part of the tournament, making it the largest team of officials in World Cup history.
The selection was based on performance, experience, and consistency in both international and domestic matches over the past few years.
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, said: “These are the best match officials in the world. They have been monitored and trained for over three years, and they will receive ongoing support from fitness coaches, physiotherapists, and mental health specialists to ensure they are fully ready for the tournament.”
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest ever, with 48 teams and 104 matches across three host countries. This year, six women officials have been selected, continuing the trend started at the 2022 World Cup.
Officials will train daily during the tournament, often with local players. Technology will also play a key role, including goal-line technology, advanced offside technology, and connected ball technology. Fans will get a new perspective by seeing some footage from the referees’ on-field view.
Massimo Busacca, FIFA Director of Refereeing, added: “The preparation started right after the 2022 World Cup, with seminars, workshops, and continuous monitoring to ensure officials are at the highest standard.”
The officials will meet in Miami on May 31 for a ten-day preparation seminar. Video officials will then move to Dallas, while referees and assistants will remain in Miami.
FIFA is also introducing measures to speed up the game, reduce time-wasting, and improve the video assistant referee system, along with new AI-powered cameras on referees to give fans a clearer view of the action.
With this team of officials ready, FIFA looks forward to a smooth and exciting tournament.
