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FIFA has confirmed the list of African referees selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, billed for the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Seven African officials have been listed to feature at football’s biggest tournament.
However, the announcement has stirred reactions following the exclusion of several high-profile names.
The reports detailed by Africa Top Sports listed the selected referees as Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria), Amin Mohamed (Egypt), Pierre Atcho (Gabon), Jalal Jayed (Morocco), Dahane Beida (Mauritania), Tom Abongile (South Africa), and Omar Artan (Somalia).
The officials are noted to have impressed the assessors during continental competitions under the Confederation of African Football and are now set to represent Africa at the 2026 tournament.
Notable omissions
Despite the strong lineup, the decision has generated controversy after the exclusion of experienced referees such as Issa Sy and Jean-Jacques Ndala, both of whom have officiated major international fixtures.
Daniel Laryea was also left out of the final list.
The list:
Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
Widely respected for his calm authority, Ghorbal has built a reputation for handling high-pressure matches across Africa.
Amin Mohamed (Egypt)
A seasoned referee with extensive experience in club competitions, known for his composure and technical accuracy.
Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
Recognised for consistency and fairness, Atcho has steadily gained prominence in both domestic and continental fixtures.
Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
With experience in major tournaments, Jayed is accustomed to officiating intense and high-stakes encounters.
Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
An emerging name, Beida is noted for his strict but balanced officiating style.
Tom Abongile (South Africa)
A familiar face in CAF competitions, Abongile is regarded as one of the continent’s reliable referees.
Omar Artan (Somalia)
Artan has earned praise for his discipline and control in matches across regional and domestic levels.
Photo: Tom Abongile
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