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FIFA has unveiled the full roster of match officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with no Nigerian referee making the final list.
In total, 170 officials were selected for the tournament, including 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials representing 50 member associations across all six confederations.
FIFA stated that the selection followed a rigorous three-year monitoring and assessment programme, with emphasis placed on performance, consistency, and experience at both domestic and international levels.
Speaking on the process, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, said the governing body prioritised excellence in its final picks.
“The selected match officials are the very best in the world. They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years,” he noted.
He also explained that the officials underwent intensive training sessions, regular evaluations, and strict fitness checks, all aimed at ensuring peak performance during the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup will mark a historic expansion, featuring 48 teams and a record 104 matches across three host countries.
FIFA further confirmed the inclusion of six female officials, reflecting its push for increased representation in elite refereeing.
Ahead of the competition, all selected officials will participate in a final preparatory seminar in Miami starting May 31, while video match officials will later relocate to Dallas, which will serve as the International Broadcast Centre.
Despite FIFA’s efforts to ensure global representation, Nigeria’s absence from the officiating list stands out as a significant omission ahead of the landmark tournament.
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#Nigeria
#WorldCup
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