The men and women in the middle are rarely anyone's favorite team, but they'll play a huge part in the action at the 2026 World Cup.
The governing body named 52 referees, 88 assistants and 30 video assistant referees to oversee its top men's tournament, working to assure the best of the best from the six confederations around the globe are taking charge of World Cup matches.
“The selected match officials are the very best in the world. They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years," Pierluigi Collina, the noted former referee who now serves as FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer said in a news release. "They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments.In addition, their performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed.
"The selected officials have received, and will continue to receive, comprehensive support from our fitness coaches and medical staff, including physiotherapists and a mental specialist. Our goal is to ensure that they’re in optimal physical and mental condition when they arrive in Miami on May 31.”
Controversially, one of the 52 referees named to the World Cup won't be attending. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States for the tournament.
Here is the full lists of officials named to impart justice at the World Cup:
Which referees made the 2026 World Cup?
What assistant referees are at the 2026 World Cup?
What VAR officials are at the 2026 World Cup?
Source: USA Today
