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.
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After an extensive selection process lasting over three years, FIFA has announced the selected match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The FIFA Team One group features 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials, marking the largest assembly of match officials in FIFA World Cup history.
Selections were based upon FIFA’s consistent quality-first principle, evaluating performances from FIFA tournaments and international and domestic competitions over recent years.
Pierluigi Collina, the Chief Refereeing Officer of FIFA and chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, stated, “These match officials represent the finest in the world. They were sourced from a larger pool of officials who were closely monitored over three years, attending seminars and officiating FIFA events. Their domestic and international match performances have been regularly assessed. The selected officials are receiving, and will continue to receive, extensive support from our fitness coaches and medical teams, ensuring they are in peak physical and mental condition when they arrive in Miami on May 31.”
“This FIFA World Cup is poised to be the largest ever, featuring a 48-team roster and 104 matches across an unprecedented geographic spread,” Collina added.
“It’s the largest FIFA Team One to date, boasting 41 more match officials than at Qatar 2022. Each must be prepared for their assignments and actively promote successful officiating at the World Cup. The inclusion of six female match officials continues a positive trend begun four years ago in Qatar, emphasizing our commitment to advancing women in refereeing.”
Throughout the tournament, match officials will engage in daily training sessions with local players participating. Collina remarked, “As in past FIFA tournaments, our match analysts will equip officials with all necessary information to prepare for their matches. We are committed to ensuring thorough preparation, and are confident that FIFA Team One will rise to the upcoming challenges of this historic competition.”
“As with previous World Cups, technology will play a significant role in aiding match officials in their decision-making. Features such as goal-line technology, an advanced version of semi-automated offside technology, and connected ball technology will be utilized. For the first time in World Cup history, fans will experience insights from the referee’s perspective thanks to new technology,” Collina concluded.
FIFA Director of Refereeing Massimo Busacca stated: “The journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 commenced right after Qatar 2022, with a structured program of seminars, workshops, and continuous evaluations. Candidates have been thoroughly assessed by FIFA instructors, fitness coaches, doctors, and physiotherapists, ensuring they meet the highest standards for the tournament.”
Team One will convene in Miami, with selected officials gathering for a ten-day preparation seminar beginning on May 31. Following this, video match officials will move to Dallas, housing the International Broadcast Centre, while referees and assistant referees will stay in Miami.
With the match officials now confirmed, FIFA anticipates showcasing the best officiating talent at what promises to be a landmark FIFA World Cup.
The FIFA Team One group features 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials, marking the largest assembly of match officials in FIFA World Cup history.
Selections were based upon FIFA’s consistent quality-first principle, evaluating performances from FIFA tournaments and international and domestic competitions over recent years.
Pierluigi Collina, the Chief Refereeing Officer of FIFA and chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, stated, “These match officials represent the finest in the world. They were sourced from a larger pool of officials who were closely monitored over three years, attending seminars and officiating FIFA events. Their domestic and international match performances have been regularly assessed. The selected officials are receiving, and will continue to receive, extensive support from our fitness coaches and medical teams, ensuring they are in peak physical and mental condition when they arrive in Miami on May 31.”
“This FIFA World Cup is poised to be the largest ever, featuring a 48-team roster and 104 matches across an unprecedented geographic spread,” Collina added.
“It’s the largest FIFA Team One to date, boasting 41 more match officials than at Qatar 2022. Each must be prepared for their assignments and actively promote successful officiating at the World Cup. The inclusion of six female match officials continues a positive trend begun four years ago in Qatar, emphasizing our commitment to advancing women in refereeing.”
Throughout the tournament, match officials will engage in daily training sessions with local players participating. Collina remarked, “As in past FIFA tournaments, our match analysts will equip officials with all necessary information to prepare for their matches. We are committed to ensuring thorough preparation, and are confident that FIFA Team One will rise to the upcoming challenges of this historic competition.”
“As with previous World Cups, technology will play a significant role in aiding match officials in their decision-making. Features such as goal-line technology, an advanced version of semi-automated offside technology, and connected ball technology will be utilized. For the first time in World Cup history, fans will experience insights from the referee’s perspective thanks to new technology,” Collina concluded.
FIFA Director of Refereeing Massimo Busacca stated: “The journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 commenced right after Qatar 2022, with a structured program of seminars, workshops, and continuous evaluations. Candidates have been thoroughly assessed by FIFA instructors, fitness coaches, doctors, and physiotherapists, ensuring they meet the highest standards for the tournament.”
Team One will convene in Miami, with selected officials gathering for a ten-day preparation seminar beginning on May 31. Following this, video match officials will move to Dallas, housing the International Broadcast Centre, while referees and assistant referees will stay in Miami.
With the match officials now confirmed, FIFA anticipates showcasing the best officiating talent at what promises to be a landmark FIFA World Cup.
