Federação Internacional of Futebol Associado (FIFA) confirmed the selection of referee Ramon Abatti Abel for the next Copa of Mundo, a significant milestone for Santa Catarina football. Ele becomes the first professional in the state to achieve this feat, integrating the Brazilian refereeing team that will represent the country in the tournament.
The news, initially reported by journalist Rodrigo Faraco and later made official by football’s highest governing body, places Abatti Abel among the most prominent global names. Sua inclusion reinforces the recognition of the quality of Brazilian arbitration on the international scene.
He joins Wilton Pereira Sampaio and Raphael Claus, forming a trio of Brazilian referees selected by FIFA for the competition. The presence of three referees from Brasil in a Mundial is a rare event, rescuing a feat that has not been seen in this proportion since Copa in 1950.
Trajectory and international landmarks of Abatti Abel
Ramon Abatti Abel’s rise on the international stage has been remarkable in recent years. Ele has been a member of FIFA’s international referee roster since 2023, an indication of his constant evolution and the high level of his performance.
At 36 years old, the referee from Santa Catarina has already accumulated experience in important grassroots and Olympic competitions. In 2024, he was present at Olimpíadas of Paris, where he had the honor of refereeing the grand final between França and Espanha, a game that crowned the Spanish team with a score of 5 to 3.
Commitment to excellence and training
The journey to becoming an elite referee requires years of dedication, in-depth study of football rules and rigorous physical preparation. Abatti Abel demonstrates an ongoing commitment to excellence, reflected in his participation in seminars and training promoted by FIFA and regional confederations. Tais programs aim to standardize criteria and raise the standard of global arbitration.
The selection for an event of the magnitude of Copa and Mundo does not occur by chance. Ela is the result of a thorough evaluation process that considers performance on the field, physical fitness, technical mastery of the rules and the ability to manage high-pressure situations. Cada decision made and each match refereed serve as crucial tests on the path to international recognition.
This training and development process is continuous, with FIFA investing heavily in training its referees. The objective is to ensure that professionals are always up to date with the latest guidelines and technologies, preparing them for the challenges that arise in modern football, which requires quick and accurate responses in fractions of seconds.
Brazilian representation and the next Mundial
The Copa of Mundo of 2026, which will be hosted jointly by Estados Unidos, México and Canadá, will have a strong Brazilian presence in arbitration. Além of Ramon Abatti Abel, Wilton Pereira Sampaio and Raphael Claus will be among those mainly responsible for conducting the tournament matches.
Complementing the trio of field referees, Brasil will also have significant representation among the assistants. Cinco Brazilian linesmen were selected: Bruno Boschillia (PR), Bruno Pires (GO), Danilo Manis (SP), Rodrigo Figueiredo (RJ) and Rafael Alves (RS). Essa Joint team demonstrates FIFA’s confidence in the technical quality of the country’s professionals.
The competition promises to be a milestone, with a total of 104 matches played and an expanded number of participants. FIFA selected a total of 52 referees, 87 assistant referees and 30 video referees of various nationalities, highlighting the complexity and scope of the refereeing framework required for an event of this scale.
The presence of three main referees from Brasil is a historic feat that dates back to Copa in 1950, based in the country itself. Desde So, Brazilian representation in the Copas of Mundo was predominantly by a single referee, with the exception of the 2022 edition, which already signaled a greater openness to multiple names. In 2026, the return of a complete trio highlights a new chapter for national arbitration.
The repercussions in the southern region of Santa Catarina
Ramon Abatti Abel’s trajectory has deep roots in the south of Santa Catarina. Nascido in Turvo, he has resided in Araranguá since childhood, both cities located in the Extremo-South of the state, approximately three hours from the capital Florianópolis. Essa local connection creates a sense of pride and inspiration in the community.
His success transcends the field of play, serving as a powerful example for young athletes and aspiring referees in the region. The visibility that Abatti Abel gains when performing on global stages projects the cities of Turvo and Araranguá, showing the potential of emerging talents coming from less centralized areas of the country.
Technological advances in modern arbitration
Modern football demands from referees not only in-depth knowledge of the rules and excellent physical fitness, but also the ability to integrate with the latest technologies. Vídeo Árbitro Assistente (VAR) has transformed the dynamics of matches, requiring on-field referees to work together with video teams to make more accurate decisions.
This technological evolution adds an extra layer of complexity and responsibility to the role, but also provides fundamental support for sports justice. Referees undergo specific training to operate and interpret technological tools, ensuring that the flow of the game is maintained without unnecessary interruptions, while the correctness of decisions is maximized.
High expectations for the world tournament
With the Copa of 2026 Mundo approaching, expectations surrounding referees’ performance are naturally high. Ramon Abatti Abel’s participation not only raises the profile of refereeing from Santa Catarina and Brazil, but also places a great responsibility on their shoulders, demanding the best of their performance in each match.
The tournament, with its expanded format and record number of games, will provide numerous opportunities for referees to demonstrate their competence. Cada decision will have a direct impact on the results and reputation of the teams, making the role of the Brazilian trio crucial to the success and fairness of the most important competition in world football.
