FIFA through their X channel officially announced the match officials appointed for Matches 9 to 12 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, continuing preparations for the expanded 48-team tournament after the competition got underway in North America, Softfootball reports.
The announcement follows as hosts Mexico opened the tournament with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa, a result that sent El Tri to the top of Group A and provided an ideal start to their World Cup campaign.
The latest referee appointments have generated significant discussion among football fans, particularly due to the inclusion of several officials from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Among those selected is Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed, whose appointment has been widely welcomed as a positive sign of African representation on the global stage.
Supporters have praised FIFA’s efforts to ensure diversity among match officials as the tournament’s expanded format places greater demands on refereeing teams across the competition.
The match officials are as follows:
- Referee: Jalal Jayed
- Assistant Referee 1: Zakaria Brinsi
- Assistant Referee 2: Mostafa Akarkad
- Fourth Official: Abongile Tom
- Reserve Assistant Referee: Zakhele Siwela
FIFA revealed:
The match officials for @FIFAWorldCup matches 9, 10, 11 and 12 have been appointed.
The announcement follows earlier confirmation of the officials chosen for the opening four matches of the tournament, including the historic curtain-raiser between Mexico and South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca. FIFA has continued unveiling referee assignments in phases as the World Cup schedule progresses.
The latest appointments also arrive in the wake of controversy involving Somali referee Omar Artan, who was removed from the tournament’s officiating roster after reportedly being denied entry into the United States despite initially being selected. The situation sparked debate among fans and officials regarding the challenges faced by referees participating in a World Cup spread across multiple host nations.
With the tournament now underway and matches coming thick and fast, FIFA’s referee selections will remain under close scrutiny as officials play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth running of football’s biggest event.
