An experienced African refereeing team has been appointed to oversee Iraq’s opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Norway, with Gabonese official Pierre Atcho selected as the centre referee for the Group I encounter.
The fixture is scheduled for June 16 at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and will be one of the opening matches in Group I as both nations begin their World Cup campaigns.
Atcho, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees, continues his rise on the international stage after earning recognition for his performances at major continental and global tournaments. The 33-year-old has previously officiated at the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA U-17 World Cup, establishing himself as a trusted official for high-profile fixtures.
Joining Atcho on the touchlines will be fellow Gabonese assistants Boris Ditsoga and Amos Abeigne Ndong, a trio that has worked together regularly in major African competitions.
The officials most recently handled key matches in continental club football and are expected to bring strong coordination and consistency to one of the tournament’s most anticipated opening fixtures.
FIFA has also included an Egyptian contingent in the officiating team. Veteran referee Amin Mohamed Omar will serve as fourth official, while compatriot Mahmoud Abouelregal has been appointed reserve assistant referee.
The appointment highlights FIFA’s continued confidence in African match officials and places the continent’s refereeing talent on one of football’s biggest stages.
The match itself is expected to attract significant attention, particularly because of Norway’s star-studded squad led by Erling Haaland. Iraq, meanwhile, will be aiming to make a strong start as they seek to progress from a competitive group.
For Atcho and his officiating team, the assignment represents another major milestone and an opportunity to showcase African refereeing excellence on the global stage.
