Ten African referees make preliminary 2026 World Cup list

Ten African referees have been included in the preliminary lists for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The expanded tournament will feature 48 teams, with Africa earning nine automatic slots for the global showpiece. As preparations ramp up, FIFA has reportedly released initial lists of referees, highlighting ten African officials in contention to officiate at football’s biggest stage.

Moroccan representation may extend beyond on-field duties, as international referee Hamza El Farouk is reportedly being considered for a role in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team.

Africasoccer.com understands FIFA and CAF have yet to finalize officials for the tournament dismissing recent media reports as unverified rumors.

The selection process involves multiple stages of rigorous technical and physical evaluation. Referees are monitored in continental and international competitions, with their performances assessed carefully before final selections are confirmed.

The preliminary list is expected to be trimmed in the coming months as candidates undergo further assessments ahead of the official announcement. With the 2026 World Cup set to be the largest in history, spanning three nations, the tournament promises a spotlight on elite officiating, and African referees are positioning themselves to play a prominent role.

Preliminary list of African referees:

Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)

Jean-Jacques Ndala (DR Congo)

Amin Omar (Egypt)

Pierre Atcho (Gabon)

Beida Dahane (Mauritania)

Issa Sy (Senegal)

Omar Artan (Somalia)

Tom Abunjil (South Africa)

Mahmoud Ismail (Sudan)

Jalal Jiyed (Morocco)