FIFA has released the complete list of referees for the 2026 World Cup. Brazil appears as the most represented country in the list of officials. In total, nine Brazilian professionals were selected to play in the tournament that brings together 48 teams.
Raphael Claus and Wilton Pereira Sampaio return after participating in the 2022 edition in Qatar. Ramon Abatti Abel wins his first opportunity at a World Cup. The group also includes six assistants and a member of the VAR.
Brazilian team forms largest arbitration delegation
The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed the relationship in April. The three main referees come from different states. Raphael Claus represents São Paulo. Ramon Abatti Abel arrives from Santa Catarina. Wilton Pereira Sampaio plays for Goiás.
Assistants complete the national team. Bruno Boschillia is from Paraná. Bruno Pires represents Goiás. Danilo Manis comes from São Paulo. Rodrigo Figueiredo arrives from Rio de Janeiro. Rafael Alves is from Rio Grande do Sul. Rodolpho Toski Marques completes the group for Paraná and will act in the video.
The record presence reflects the growth of Brazilian football in international arbitration. The names have experience in FIFA competitions and high-level national tournaments.
- Raphael Claus (SP) – referee
- Ramon Abatti Abel (SC) – referee
- Wilton Pereira Sampaio (GO) – referee
- Bruno Boschillia (PR) – assistant
- Bruno Pires (GO) – assistant
- Danilo Manis (SP) – assistant
- Rodrigo Figueiredo (RJ) – assistant
- Rafael Alves (RS) – assistant
- Rodolpho Toski Marques (PR) – VAR
FIFA expands edition framework with more games
The expanded tournament requires more professionals. FIFA selected 52 referees, 88 assistants and 30 video referees. The total reaches 170 officers. The number exceeds the number for the 2022 World Cup by 41.
Those chosen represent 50 national associations distributed across the six confederations. UEFA leads with 18 referees. The AFC comes next with 11. Conmebol has a strong South American presence.
The selection process began with a preliminary list in 2023. FIFA monitored each candidate’s performance in international and national games. Those approved participated in preparatory seminars and performed in test competitions.
Women are present for the second time in a row
Women’s refereeing advances in the main men’s tournament. Tori Penso, from the United States, and Katia Itzel Garcia, from Mexico, were called up as central referees. They follow the framework established in Qatar.
Other women join the group as assistants. The total number of female professionals reaches six. The measure reinforces FIFA’s investment in the development of mixed arbitration.
Debutants represent new countries at the World Cup
Five referees will take charge of World Cup games for the first time in their countries. Omar Abdulkadir Artan, from Somalia, Pierre Atcho, from Gabon, Dahane Beida, from Mauritania, Adham Makhadmeh, from Jordan, and Hector Said Martinez, from Honduras, are on the list.
These names symbolize the geographic expansion of arbitration. FIFA seeks to balance experience with renewal. Pierluigi Collina, head of arbitration at the entity, highlighted the support offered to officials.
Professionals receive physical, medical and psychological preparation. The objective is to arrive ready for the demands of the tournament that starts in June. The assignments for each match have not yet been announced.
Preparation focuses efforts in Miami
The referees will appear in Miami starting at the end of May. The location serves as a base for final training before the start of the competition. Teams of physical trainers and mental health specialists accompany the group.
Brazil enters with renewed confidence. The nine called up represent the largest national contingent in World Cup history. The expectation is for consistent performances throughout the 104 scheduled matches.
The tournament promises to test the limits of modern arbitration. VAR technology, constant communication and quick decisions set the current standard. Brazilians bear the responsibility of maintaining the high level demonstrated in previous editions.
