Seven African referees selected to officiate at 2026 World Cup
African refereeing has reached a historic milestone, with seven officials from across the continent appointed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a recognition of their individual excellence and the growing respect for African match officials on the global stage.
Leading the contingent is Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan, whose calm authority and sharp decision-making have made him one of the most promising referees in the Horn of Africa. Algeria’s Mustapha Ghorbal, a seasoned veteran of high-profile CAF and international matches, brings years of consistent performance and reliability to the list.
Egypt’s Amin Mohamed continues North Africa’s strong refereeing tradition, showcasing the technical discipline and tactical awareness for which Egyptian officials are known. South Africa’s Abongile Tom represents the new wave of referees making their mark internationally, with impressive displays in domestic and continental competitions.
From Central Africa, Gabon’s Pierre Atcho has earned respect through his experience and composed approach, while Mauritania’s Dahane Beida highlights the rise of emerging refereeing nations on the continent. Morocco’s Jalal Jayed rounds out the group, completing Africa’s representation for football’s premier tournament.
Together, these seven referees will uphold the integrity of the game on the world stage, signaling a broader shift as African officials continue to gain credibility and influence in global football.
Notably absent from the list are 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, Senegal’s Issa Sy, and Ghana’s Daniel Nii Laryea, who were all dropped from the World Cup officiating roster.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.