Home News UAE Referees to Officiate at 2026 FIFA World Cup

UAE Officials Selected for 2026 FIFA World Cup

Apr 10, 2026
52 min
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Apr 10, 2026 07:31
Three UAE match officials appointed for 2026 FIFA World Cup

## UAE Referees Head to World Cup

Three match officials from the United Arab Emirates have been appointed to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Referee Omar Al Ali, assistant referee Mohamed Al Hammadi, and video match official Mohammed Obaid Khadim will represent the UAE at the tournament.

## Global Selection Process

The selection includes 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video assistant referees from 54 national associations. These officials were chosen based on their performance in international and domestic competitions, following FIFA's "quality first" principle.

## Preparation and Support

FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, emphasized the rigorous preparation process. Officials have undergone seminars and received support from fitness coaches and medical staff to ensure they are ready for the tournament.

## Historical Context

The 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This marks a significant moment for UAE football, continuing a legacy that began with Ali Bujsaim's participation in the 1994 World Cup.

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