FIFA Announces World Cup Referees

FIFA Announces Referees for 2026 World Cup as Argentina and Brazil Lead the Way

2026 FIFA World Cup is officially taking shape—not just with teams, but with the officials who will control the biggest matches on the planet.

FIFA has announced 170 match officials for the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, including 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials, representing 50 different countries.

Premier League and MLS Strongly Represented

There is strong representation from both Europe and North America.

From the Premier League:

• Michael Oliver
• Anthony Taylor

Both headline a group of seven officials tied to England’s top flight.

Meanwhile, Major League Soccer will send 11 officials, including:

• Ismail Elfath (USA)
• Tori Penso (USA)
• Drew Fischer (Canada)

Penso continues to break barriers, having previously officiated the 2023 Women’s World Cup final.

Women Continue to Break Ground

The 2026 tournament will again feature women officials, continuing a historic shift that began in 2022.

Tori Penso is one of the standout names, joined by assistant referees Kathryn Nesbitt and Brooke Mayo—forming the only all-woman on-field officiating team selected.

Veteran Officials Return

Some of the most respected referees in the world will also return to the biggest stage.

• Szymon Marciniak (Poland), who officiated the 2022 World Cup final
• François Letexier (Euro 2024 Final)
• István Kovács (2025 Champions League Final)
• Raphael Claus (Copa América Final)

These appointments highlight FIFA’s emphasis on experience and performance at the highest level.

Referees by Country (Top Representation)

Here’s a breakdown of countries with the most referees selected: