African football continues to gain recognition on the global stage, not only through its talented players and national teams but also through its elite match officials. As preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ten referees from across the African continent have been included in the preliminary list of officials being considered to officiate at the historic tournament.
The competition, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest in World Cup history, featuring 48 national teams. This expanded format also opens more opportunities for referees from different regions of the world to showcase their expertise.
For Africa, the inclusion of ten referees on the preliminary list signals the growing recognition of the continent’s officiating standards and the increasing trust placed in African referees by global football authorities such as FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The African Referees on the Preliminary List
The preliminary list features referees from different regions of Africa, each with a strong reputation in continental and international competitions.
Mustapha Ghorbal – Algeria
One of the most respected referees in African football, Mustapha Ghorbal from Algeria has built a reputation for his calm authority and consistent decision-making.
Ghorbal has officiated numerous high-profile matches in the Africa Cup of Nations and CAF club competitions. His experience on big stages makes him one of the strongest candidates to represent Africa at the World Cup.
Jean-Jacques Ndala – DR Congo
Jean-Jacques Ndala, representing DR Congo, is widely regarded as one of the rising stars among African referees.
Known for his excellent positioning and firm control of matches, Ndala has officiated several important fixtures in African club competitions and international tournaments. His presence on the preliminary list reflects the increasing prominence of Central African referees.
Amin Omar – Egypt
From Egypt, Amin Omar has gained significant recognition within African football circles.
Omar has handled many crucial matches in CAF competitions and international fixtures. His strong understanding of the game and ability to manage high-pressure moments make him a reliable candidate for global tournaments.
Pierre Atcho – Gabon
Pierre Atcho of Gabon represents the growing influence of referees from Central Africa.
Atcho has steadily built his reputation through consistent performances in African competitions. His calm demeanor and fair approach to officiating have earned praise from players, coaches, and analysts.
Beida Dahane – Mauritania
Representing Mauritania, Beida Dahane is another experienced official included in the preliminary list.
Dahane has officiated several matches across CAF tournaments and has proven capable of managing high-intensity games involving top clubs and national teams.
Issa Sy – Senegal
One of the most experienced referees on the list is Issa Sy from Senegal.
Sy has officiated in major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations, and is widely respected for his strong command of matches. His experience and leadership qualities make him a potential candidate for high-profile fixtures if selected.
Omar Artan – Somalia
Omar Artan from Somalia represents East Africa’s growing presence in international refereeing.
Artan’s inclusion on the preliminary list highlights the progress made by referees from emerging football nations on the continent.
Tom Abunjil – South Africa
From South Africa, Tom Abunjil is another official recognized for his consistent performances in CAF competitions.
South Africa has historically produced top referees, and Abunjil’s presence continues that tradition.
Mahmoud Ismail – Sudan
Mahmoud Ismail of Sudan is also among the referees being considered.
Ismail has officiated in several international matches and CAF tournaments, demonstrating strong decision-making abilities and match management skills.
Jalal Jiyed – Morocco
Moroccan referee Jalal Jiyed has also earned a place on the preliminary list.
Referees from Morocco have gained global recognition in recent years, and Jiyed is considered part of the new generation of African officials capable of handling matches at the highest level.
The Role of African Referees in the Modern Game
The inclusion of these referees highlights the progress African officiating has made over the years. Once criticized for inconsistency and lack of international exposure, African referees are now increasingly trusted to officiate major global matches.
Organizations such as FIFA and CAF have invested significantly in referee development programs, training initiatives, and the use of technology such as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
Moroccan referee Hamza El Farouk, for example, is reportedly being considered for a role within the VAR team for the 2026 World Cup — another sign of Africa’s growing involvement in football’s technological evolution.
The Selection Process
Being named on the preliminary list does not guarantee a place at the tournament. The selection process involves several stages, including:
Technical evaluations
Physical fitness tests
Performance assessments in international matches
Monitoring during continental competitions
Only the best-performing referees will make the final list of officials for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Impact on African Football
The presence of African referees on the global stage has a significant impact on football across the continent.
Raising Officiating Standards
International recognition encourages referees in domestic leagues across Africa to improve their standards and professionalism.
Inspiration for Future Referees
Young referees across the continent can look up to these officials as role models, demonstrating that it is possible to reach the highest levels of football officiating.
Strengthening Africa’s Football Reputation
Just as African players continue to shine in top European leagues, the success of African referees helps strengthen the continent’s reputation within the global football community.
Looking Ahead to 2026
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be the largest tournament in history, the role of referees will be more important than ever.
For the ten African referees on the preliminary list, the coming months will be crucial as they undergo further evaluations and prepare for the possibility of officiating at football’s biggest event.
If selected, they will not only represent their countries but also serve as ambassadors for African football — proving that the continent continues to produce world-class talent both on and off the pitch.
