The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has announced the list of referees from Africa who will officiate matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The selection highlights the growing recognition and trust in African referees in international football.
In total, eight officials from Africa have been selected for the global tournament, including center referees and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) officials.
Center Referees
1. Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria, 1985)
Mustapha Ghorbal is one of the most respected referees in Africa. He has officiated numerous CAF competitions such as the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the CAF Champions League. His experience in major tournaments earned him another place among the referees selected for the World Cup.
2. Jean-Jacques Ndala (DR Congo, 1987)
Jean-Jacques Ndala has been a FIFA international referee since 2013 and has officiated many African competitions. He also refereed the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, which was played in Rabat in 2026.
3. Amin Omar (Egypt, 1985)
Amin Mohamed Omar is a referee from Egypt who became a FIFA referee in 2017. He has officiated several international tournaments, including the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Brazil.
4. Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon, 1992)
Pierre Atcho is among the emerging referees achieving significant success in African football. He has officiated many CAF matches and international competitions and is considered part of the new generation of top African referees.
5. Dahane Beida (Mauritania, 1991)
Dahane Beida is one of the rapidly rising referees in African football. A FIFA referee since 2018, he has officiated matches in AFCON, the CAF Champions League and even Olympic competitions.
VAR Officials
In addition to the center referees, Africa will also be represented by VAR specialists who assist referees in making accurate decisions using video technology.
6. Lahlou Benbraham (Algeria, 1986)
Lahlou Benbraham is an experienced referee in CAF competitions and is well accustomed to working with VAR technology in international tournaments.
7. Mahmoud Ashour (Egypt, 1976)
Mahmoud Ashour is one of the most experienced officials on the list. His extensive experience in African and FIFA competitions earned him selection as a VAR referee for the 2026 World Cup.
8. Letticia Viana (Eswatini, 1985)
Letticia Viana is one of the female referees who continues to demonstrate strong performance in international football. Her selection reflects growing gender equality in football officiating.
