Seven African referees selected for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Seven African referees have been included in the final lists of officials selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the expanded 48-team tournament will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

As preparations ramp up, the world football governing body (FIFA) has released the lists of match officials for the tournament, with seven African referees making the cut.

Leading the list is Pierre Ghislain Atcho of Gabon, alongside South Africa’s Tom Abongile and Somalia’s Omar Abdulkadir Artan—a trio representing the diversity and growing strength of African officiating.

They are joined by Mauritania’s Dahane Beida, Algeria’s highly-rated Mustapha Ghorbal, Egypt’s experienced Amin Mohamed Omar, and Morocco’s Jalal Jayed.

The selection highlights the increasing recognition of African referees on the international stage, with each official having built a strong reputation through consistent performances in continental competitions organized by the Confederation of African Football as well as global tournaments.

Notably, the list reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent, with referees like Ghorbal and Amin Mohamed Omar already familiar faces in high-profile matches, while others continue to rise through the ranks with impressive displays.

Their inclusion comes amid discussions surrounding the omission of other notable names, underlining the fierce competition for places among the world’s top match officials.

As the countdown to the World Cup continues, these seven referees will carry the hopes of a continent eager to showcase not only its footballing talent but also its excellence in officiating on the biggest stage of all.

Meanwhile, Renowned Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala and top Senegalese referee Issa Sy have all been left out of the lists.

The omission of Ndala is no surprise following the controversial Africa Cup of Nations final, held in Morocco two months ago.

Ndala, who took charge of the AFCON final, found himself at the center of attention after the match descended into chaos, with Senegal players walking off the pitch in protest. The game was halted for several minutes, creating a tense and highly charged atmosphere on one of African football’s biggest stages.

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