Alkass English
A FIFA seminar for elite referees shortlisted to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup began on Monday and will continue until February 27, marking a significant step in preparations for football’s flagship tournament.
The workshop has brought together 21 referees from three continents, including 10 from Asia — among them Qatari officials Abdulrahman Al Jassim and Salman Falahi — in addition to 10 referees from Africa and one representative from Oceania.
Deputy Chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee, Hani Taleb Ballan, described the event as the second in a series of preparatory seminars for match officials nominated for the 2026 World Cup. The first workshop was staged in Rio de Janeiro for South American referees, while the final seminar — involving 16 European referees — is scheduled to take place in Dubai in March, completing the programme for all shortlisted candidates.
Ballan highlighted that the seminar constitutes a crucial phase in the overall evaluation process. The programme features comprehensive fitness assessments, medical examinations and technical discussions aimed at reinforcing modern refereeing concepts and aligning officials with the latest developments in the game.
He stressed that officiating at a FIFA World Cup represents a pinnacle achievement for referees, demanding sustained commitment, continuous improvement and consistent high-level performances. Selection, he noted, is based on strict criteria and thorough evaluation, with ongoing monitoring across various international and domestic competitions.
FIFA’s Director of Refereeing, Massimo Busacca, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to equipping referees with the tools and preparation required to meet the demands of the 2026 tournament.
The seminar agenda includes technical, physical and medical testing to assess readiness, alongside an intensive training programme featuring video analysis of real match situations. Practical sessions are recorded and reviewed by international instructors, who provide detailed feedback to ensure referees attain peak performance levels ahead of the upcoming World Cup.