By Ayodeji Victor
Doha: FIFA has officially announced the list of match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a strong Qatari presence reaffirming the high international standing of the country’s refereeing expertise.
The tournament, which kicks off in June 2026 and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will feature an expanded format of 48 teams for the first time in its history.
Among the selected officials is a Qatari refereeing team led by experienced on-field referee Abdulrahman Al Jassim. He will be supported by assistant referees Saud Ahmed and Taleb Salem Al Marri, while Khamis Al Marri has been appointed as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
This selection highlights the growing confidence FIFA places in Qatari referees, who have consistently demonstrated their ability to manage high-pressure matches at both continental and global levels. Their participation in recent major tournaments has helped sharpen their skills and elevated Qatar’s profile in international refereeing circles.
Al Jassim, a FIFA-listed international referee since 2013, previously officiated matches during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, including high-profile encounters. The latest appointment builds on that experience and underscores the continued development of refereeing standards in the country.
The inclusion of the Qatari team is seen as recognition of the robust training programmes and professional standards maintained by the Qatar Football Association and national refereeing committees.
As preparations intensify for the 2026 edition, stakeholders view this nomination as a significant achievement that further positions Qatar as a key contributor to global football governance and officiating excellence.
FIFA is expected to confirm the final list of match officials closer to the tournament, following additional assessment and preparation seminars.
