The list of 15 African referees scheduled for the 2026 World Cup has been announced by FIFA. Selected following a FIFA decision-making process based on talent and professionalism, these officials will meet in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for pre-World Cup planning. It is a big achievement for African referees on the global landscape of football.

FIFA Referee Preparation for the 2026 World Cup

Referees planned to supervise games during the 2026 World Cup are undergoing extensive training courses run by the FIFA Referees Committee. Dubai will host this course from January 27 until January 31. Designed to raise the effectiveness and preparedness of these foreign officials, this initiative underlines FIFA’s will to maintain high standards in the event seen as the most important in world football. 

The Elite 15: Africa’s representatives

One of the exclusive sources from the Qatari platform WinWin has revealed that FIFA has nominated 15 African referees for this training program. These referees will highlight their skills and show them on the big stage while carrying the diverse African greyhound footballing magic. The referee list includes:

• Jean-Jacques Ndala (Congo)
• Tanguy Mebiame (Gabon)
• Mohamed Maarouf (Egypt)
• Issa Sy (Senegal)
• Amin Omar (Egypt)
• Tom Abongile (South Africa)
• Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
• Omar Artan (Somalia)
• Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
• Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
• Youcef Gamouh (Algeria)
• Abdelhakim Al-Shalmani (Libya)
• Mahmoud Ismaïl (Sudan)
• Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
• Mohamed El-Hadj Ali (Chad)

Why Dubai? The Significance of the Preparation Camp.

Dubai was specifically chosen because of a world-class training base it offered, as well as its position as a convenue for international activities. The camp will give the referees an opportunity to sharpen their skills, and become acquainted with the current officiating technology, with a particular focus on VAR systems.

The training timetable is best needed to prepare referees for officiating in the 2026 World Cup tournament together with other glorious tournaments ahead of it.

Commitment to excellence: The Referees from Africa.

The presence of the African referees in the World Cup really shows how far the recognition of these officials has come on the world stage. The variety of officials that have been selected is a true manifestation of their commitment towards fairness among those officiating contests around the globe and the development of football.

These referees would be important to impose fairness and professionalism throughout the tournament, ensuring that all the matches are officiated without compromising their integrity.

Looking forward: Date and Expectations.

• Preparation course in Dubai: between January 27-31, 2025.
• 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN): A few selected referees will officiate mainly in this event with much esteem, and thereafter they shall move on to officiate in the World Cup.

It is clear from FIFA’s commitment to adequate preparations that there will be no short cut routes open for these referees in managing the complexities of the 2026 World Cup