Historic FIFA appointment: Algerian referees Ghada Mahat and Asma Ferial Wahab selected for 2026 U-17 Women’s World Cup

Algerian referees Ghada Mahat and Asma Ferial Wahab have been selected by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, making Algeria one of the best-represented African nations among the tournament’s female match officials.

The FIFA Referees Committee announced the list of officials chosen for the competition, which will be staged in Morocco from 17 October to 8 November 2026.

Mahat and Wahab are among the nine female referees representing Africa at the global tournament.

Their inclusion highlights Algeria’s presence on the international refereeing stage and reflects FIFA’s confidence in the country’s female officials to oversee matches at one of the world’s leading youth football competitions.

FIFA confirms Algeria’s representation at U-17 Women’s World Cup

The appointment of Ghada Mahat and Asma Ferial Wahab ensures Algeria will have two representatives among the African officials selected for the tournament.

Mahat and Wahab earn prestigious FIFA selection

The pair were named by the FIFA Referees Committee as part of the officiating team for the U-17 Women’s World Cup, which brings together some of the world’s most promising young footballers.

Their selection places them among the nine African female referees entrusted with officiating during the tournament and underlines Algeria’s contribution to international football officiating.

The appointments also reinforce the growing recognition of Algerian referees on the global stage as FIFA prepares for another major international competition.

Morocco to host global youth tournament

The 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup will be held in Morocco between 17 October and 8 November 2026, bringing together national teams from around the world in a month-long competition.

FIFA selects 54 match officials

The list released by the FIFA Referees Committee features a total of 54 match officials, made up of 18 referees and 36 assistant referees.

The officiating team has a strong female presence, reflecting the composition of the tournament and FIFA’s selection process for the competition.

Mahat and Wahab will form part of the group responsible for overseeing matches throughout the championship, joining officials from across the globe selected for the event.

Algeria strengthens its presence in international officiating

The inclusion of two Algerian officials means the country accounts for two of Africa’s nine female referees selected for the tournament.

Recognition for Algerian women’s refereeing

Their appointments demonstrate FIFA’s confidence in the standard of Algerian female refereeing and the ability of the country’s officials to manage matches on the international stage.

With Morocco preparing to host the tournament later this year, Mahat and Wahab will represent Algeria as part of FIFA’s selected team of referees and assistant referees for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.