FIFA defends 2026 World Cup referee selections amid controversy over exclusions

World football’s governing body, FIFA, has defended its selection of match officials for the 2026 World Cup following scrutiny over several high-profile exclusions.

On Thursday, April 9, FIFA announced a list of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials drawn from six confederations and 50 member associations for the expanded tournament.

The list, however, has sparked debate due to the absence of several experienced officials, including Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, who previously officiated the Africa Cup of Nations final between Morocco and Senegal. His appointment to that match drew controversy after Senegal staged a brief walk-off in protest over a penalty awarded to the hosts.

Ghanaian referee Daniel Nii Laryea and Senegal’s Issa Sy were also left out of the final selection.

Despite the omissions, Africa will be represented by seven officials at the tournament: Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria), Amin Mohamed (Egypt), Pierre Atcho (Gabon), Jalal Jayed (Morocco), Dahane Beida (Mauritania), Tom Abongile (South Africa), and Omar Artan (Somalia).

FIFA Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina defended the choices, insisting the selected officials represent the highest standard in world football.

“The selected match officials are the very best in the world,” he said.

“They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. 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," he added.

The 2026 World Cup, featuring an expanded 48-team format and jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.