Full officiating team selected for first time
FIFA has confirmed that a complete Egyptian refereeing team will officiate at the 2026 World Cup, marking a historic first for the country in the global tournament.
The announcement represents a significant milestone for Egyptian football, as never before has a full team of match officials from Egypt been appointed together for World Cup duties.
Leading the team will be Amin Omar, who has been selected as the main referee. He will be supported by assistant referees Mahmoud Aboul-Regal and Ahmed Hossam Taha. Mahmoud Ashour has been named as the video assistant referee (VAR) for the tournament.
Recognition of growing refereeing standards
The inclusion of a full Egyptian crew is seen as recognition of the country’s growing presence in international officiating. FIFA’s selection highlights confidence in the capabilities and consistency of Egyptian referees on the global stage.
Previously, individual Egyptian officials had been selected for World Cup assignments, but never as a complete unit covering all key officiating roles within a single team.
Expanded World Cup adds new dimension
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest in the competition’s history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. The tournament will run from 11 June to 19 July and will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
The expansion of the tournament has increased the demand for experienced match officials, creating opportunities for more refereeing teams from across the world to be involved.
Egypt’s on-field participation
Alongside its refereeing representation, Egypt national football team will also compete in the tournament. The team has been drawn in Group G, where they will face Belgium national football team, Iran national football team, and New Zealand national football team.
The dual presence of Egypt—both on the pitch and among the match officials—adds to the significance of the moment for the nation’s footballing profile.
A milestone beyond the pitch
The appointment of a full Egyptian refereeing team underscores a broader development in the country’s football ecosystem, extending beyond players to include officiating at the highest level. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the selection stands as a landmark achievement, reflecting both progress and growing international recognition.
