FIFA has unveiled the largest-ever group of match officials for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, marking a major expansion in officiating teams ahead of the historic competition.
The FIFA Team One cohort will include 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials drawn from six confederations and 50 Member Associations.
The appointments were made based on FIFA’s “quality first” principle, with officials selected for their consistent performance in both international and domestic competitions.
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer and chairman of the Referees Committee, said the officials were chosen after a rigorous three-year assessment process.
“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. They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments,” said Collina.
He added that FIFA is working to ensure all officials are in top condition ahead of the tournament.
“Our goal is to ensure that they’re in optimal physical and mental condition when they arrive in Miami on 31 May,” he said.
The 2026 edition will be the biggest World Cup in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across multiple host locations. It will also have 41 more match officials than the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Collina noted that the inclusion of six women officials continues FIFA’s efforts to grow women’s refereeing.
Technology is also set to play a key role, with goal-line technology, enhanced semi-automated offside systems and connected ball technology to be used. For the first time, fans will also be able to view the game from a referee’s perspective using body cameras supported by artificial intelligence.
FIFA Director of Refereeing Massimo Busacca said preparations began immediately after Qatar 2022, with structured training, workshops and continuous monitoring of candidates.
Team One officials will be based in Miami for a 10-day seminar starting May 31, before video match officials relocate to Dallas, home of the International Broadcast Centre.
FIFA says the expanded officiating team and new technologies are aimed at improving match flow, reducing time-wasting and ensuring high-quality refereeing at what is expected to be a historic tournament.