No Nigerian Referees Selected for 2026 World Cup

FIFA has released a list of 170 officials selected for the 2026 World Cup, which does not include any Nigerian referees, assistants, or video assistant referees (VAR). The list, published by FIFA's Switzerland-based body, comprises 52 central referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 VAR officials.

Despite FIFA approving 30 Nigerian referees for the international calendar, the absence of Nigerian officials marks a significant omission, especially since the last Nigerian officiated at a FIFA tournament in 2022. That year, Mimisen Iyorh and Calvin Onwuka served as assistant referees during the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

FIFA explained that selections were based on quality and consistent performance in recent international and domestic competitions. The list features 19 match officials from Africa, including seven central referees and ten assistant referees.

Notable names include Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria and Amin Moham Omar from Egypt. The officiating seminar for the World Cup is scheduled to begin on May 31 in Miami.