FIFA unveils 2026 World Cup referee list

The International Football Federation (FIFA) announced the list of referees for the 2026 World Cup, following a detailed selection process that lasted more than three years.

The so-called “FIFA Team One” consists of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 VAR officials, coming from all six confederations and 50 national associations, making it the largest refereeing team in the history of the tournament, CE Report quotes MIA.

FIFA said the selection was based on the principle of “quality first,” taking into account the consistent performances of candidates in FIFA competitions as well as in international and domestic leagues.

The Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, said the selected referees are “the best in the world,” stressing that over the past three years they have been under constant supervision, attending seminars and officiating major matches.

He added that the goal is for all referees to arrive in Miami on May 31 in optimal physical and mental condition, noting that they will receive continuous support from fitness coaches, medical staff, and mental preparation experts.

No referee from North Macedonia was selected.

The list also includes six women, continuing the trend started at the previous 2022 World Cup in Qatar.