FIFA has confirmed key officiating appointments ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting major milestones in global refereeing, Softfootball reports.
FIFA also confirmed that an all-Canadian officiating team will take charge of a World Cup match for the first time in history. Drew Fischer will lead the crew, alongside assistant referees Micheal Barwegen and Lyes Arfa, in a landmark moment for Canadian football and officiating.
According to FIFA via a post on their Official X handle, Tori Penso has been selected as part of FIFA’s Team One cohort and will officiate at the tournament, which will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
FIFA’s statement:
Don’t stop believing! 🙌 Tori Penso has been selected as part of the FIFA Team One cohort who will referee the upcoming @FIFAWorldCup, taking place across Canada, Mexico and her native United States.
Meanwhile, Vincent Kompany has turned down offers to work as a pundit during the tournament, opting instead to focus on his family and club commitments during the World Cup period.
Tori Penso inclusion marks another step forward in the representation of elite officials on football’s biggest stage.
