The preselection process for the World Cup is in its final stages; candidates from each confederation will gather in their respective seminars before the final cut and the selection of the referees who will officiate at the 2026 World Cup.
It will start with CONCACAF and CONMEBOL in early January, both confederations will meet in Brazil. To folllow, AFC, CAF and OFC will have a meeting in Doha, Qatar, at the end of February. UEFA will be the last confederation to draw conclusions when the European referees will meet in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on the early days of March. Shortly after that date, a final announcement about the official list will be expected.
CONCACAF and CONMEBOL
12/01/2026 - 18/01/2026Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Barton – SLV
Calderon – CRC
Dickerson – USA
Elfath – USA
Escobar – GUA
Fischer – CAN
García – MEX
Martínez – HON
Nation - JAM
Penso – USA
Ramos – MEX
Abatti – BRA
Benítez – PAR
Claus – BRA
Falcón Pérez – ARG
Garay – CHI
Herrera – ARG
Matonte – URU
Ortega – PER
Sampaio – BRA
Tejera – URU
Tello – ARG
Valenzuela – VEN
Penso – USA
Ramos – MEX
Abatti – BRA
Benítez – PAR
Claus – BRA
Falcón Pérez – ARG
Garay – CHI
Herrera – ARG
Matonte – URU
Ortega – PER
Sampaio – BRA
Tejera – URU
Tello – ARG
Valenzuela – VEN
AFC, CAF and OFC
23/02/2026 - 27/02/2026
Doha, Qatar
Makhadmeh JOR
Al Kaf OMA
Al Turais KSA
Araki JPN
Faghani IRN
Ma Ning CHN
Al Ali UAE
Falahi QAT
Tantashev UZB
Artan SOM
Atcho GAB
Beida MTN
Ghorbal ALG
Ismail SDN
Jayed MAR
Ndala Ngambo COD
Sy SEN
Kawana-Waugh NZL
UEFA
The seminar has been postponed and then split in two groups.
Group 1
Marciniak – POL
Nyberg – SWE
Oliver – ENG
Sánchez Martínez – ESP
Schärer – SUI
Turpin – FRA
Kovács – ROU
Letexier – FRA
Makkelie – NED
Pinheiro – POR
New rearrangement of the groups and Alejandro Hernández Hernández addition.
The seminar will be held in Viareggio, second Collina's hometown.
Hernández Hernández ESP
Mariani ITA
Oliver ENGSánchez Martínez ESP
Schärer SUI
Turpin FRA
Vinčić SVN
Eskås NOR
AFC
Kate Jacewicz — AUS
Lara Lee — AUS
Casey Reibelt — AUS
Law Bik Chi — HKG
Abirami Apbai Naidu — SIN
Edita Mirabidova — UZB
CAF
Group 2 - 30 March to 2 April 2026
Kovacs ROU
Letexier FRA
Makkelie NED
Marciniak POL
Nyberg SWE
Peljto BIH
Pinheiro POR
Taylor ENG
Zwayer GER
FIFA has also preselected the VAR for 2026 World Cup, who will take part in seminars between January and February within their respective confederations.
VAR
AFC
Shaun Evans — AUS
Fu Ming — CHN
Jumpei Iida — JPN
Kim Woosung — KOR
Abdullah Alshehri — KSA
Abdullah Jamali — KUW
Khamis Al-Marri — QAT
Muhammad Bin Jahari — SIN
Sivakorn Pu-Udom — THA
Obaid Mohammed — UAE
Firdavs Norsafarov — UZB
CAF
Lahlou Benbraham — ALG
Mahmoud Ashour — EGY
Hamza El Fariq — MAR
Abongile Tom — RSA
Dorsaf Ganouati — TUN
Haythem Guirat — TUN
CONCACAF
Benjamin Whitty — CAY
Yasith Monge — CRC
Benjamín Pineda — CRC
Daneon Parchment — JAM
Adonai Escobedo — MEX
Oscar Macias Romo — MEX
Erick Miranda — MEX
Guillermo Pacheco — MEX
Ismael Cornejo — SLV
Allen Chapman — USA
Joe Dickerson — USA
Edvin Jurisevic — USA
Chris Penso — USA
Armando Villarreal — USA
CONMEBOL
Hernan Mastrangelo — ARG
Silvio Trucco — ARG
Rodolpho Toski — BRA
Rodrigo Carvajal — CHI
Juan Lara — CHI
Heider Castro — COL
Nicolas Gallo — COL
David Rodriguez — COL
Carlos Orbe — ECU
Derlis Lopez — PAR
Ulises Mereles — PAR
Antonio Garcia — URU
Leodan Gonzalez — URU
Juan Soto — VEN
UEFA
Manuel Schuettengruber — AUT
Bram Van Driessche — BEL
Ivan Bebek — CRO
Jarred Gillett — ENG
Carlos Del Cerro Grande — ESP
Alejandro Hernandez — ESP
Jerome Brisard — FRA
Willy Delajod — FRA
Bastian Dankert — GER
Angelos Evangelou — GRE
Marco Di Bello — ITA
Marco Guida — ITA
Rob Dieperink — NED
Dennis Higler — NED
Tomasz Kwiatkowski — POL
Piotr Lasyk — POL
André Narciso — POR
Ovidiu Hategan — ROU
Momcilo Markovic — SRB
Fedayi San — SUI
Women (VAR duties)
Along with the men's seminar, women as VAR were also selected, with 2027 Women's World Cup as final target, but those who also have the potential to participate in Men's World Cup are eligible as well.
Kate Jacewicz — AUS
Lara Lee — AUS
Casey Reibelt — AUS
Law Bik Chi — HKG
Abirami Apbai Naidu — SIN
Edita Mirabidova — UZB
CAF
Maria Rivet — MRI
Salima Mukansanga — RWA
Letticia Viana — SWZ
CONCACAF
Marianela Araya — CRC
Katia Garcia — MEX
Diana Perez — MEX
Tatiana Guzman — NCA
Ekaterina Koroleva — USA
CONMEBOL
Salome Di Iorio — ARG
Daiane Muniz — BRA
Charly Deretti Straub — BRA
Maria Daza — COL
Susana Corella — ECU
Zulma Quinonez — PAR
Milagros Arruela — PER
Stefanie Escobar — VEN
UEFA
Emanuela Rusta — ALB
Jana Adamkova — CZE
Katrin Rafalski — GER
Katalin Kulcsar — HUN
Eszter Urban — HUN
Catarina Campos — POR
Cláudia Ribeiro — POR
Cristina Trandafir — ROU
Jelena Cvetković — SRB
Salima Mukansanga — RWA
Letticia Viana — SWZ
CONCACAF
Marianela Araya — CRC
Katia Garcia — MEX
Diana Perez — MEX
Tatiana Guzman — NCA
Ekaterina Koroleva — USA
CONMEBOL
Salome Di Iorio — ARG
Daiane Muniz — BRA
Charly Deretti Straub — BRA
Maria Daza — COL
Susana Corella — ECU
Zulma Quinonez — PAR
Milagros Arruela — PER
Stefanie Escobar — VEN
UEFA
Emanuela Rusta — ALB
Jana Adamkova — CZE
Katrin Rafalski — GER
Katalin Kulcsar — HUN
Eszter Urban — HUN
Catarina Campos — POR
Cláudia Ribeiro — POR
Cristina Trandafir — ROU
Jelena Cvetković — SRB
Dates of the VAR seminars:
CONMEBOL – Asuncion, January 14–16
CONCACAF – Dallas, January 19–21
AFC and CAF – Doha, February 3–5
UEFA – Vienna, February 10–12
Sanchez Martinez ahead of Manzano, Mariani there as the italian representative, no Siebert sadly but otherwise no surprise at all in the european list.
ReplyDeleteIn the african list, the only notable absence is Tom Abongile, the others are also very expected and no surprise whatsoever.
Tom was probably rejected by FIFA for his poor performance in Nigeria - Gabon CAF WCQ play-off semi. It's telling that he has been cut but Ismail (who handled the other semi) hasn't, despite Tom having a priori a much more favorable political background (countryman Victor Gomes in CAF RefCom + too many Arab candidates but very few Sub-saharan Africans)
DeleteSiebert, Guida, Gil Manzano, Gozubuyuk, Kružliak & Meler have been discarded among the pre-CWC seminar participants.
ReplyDeleteYou can read now between the lines why referees like Mariani and Zwayer, among others (it was not that much visible for the others, honestly) were pushed in this way in CL league phase, despite of very evident mistakes, they had to perform well also for this reason and honestly it looked like decisions were already taken in their favor. I try to be more objective as possible with this comment, no intent to go against the referees, but this seems evident. Other referees with that mistakes (very crucial and decisive) would have surely skipped games.
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DeleteIn terms of Pejito. Is he heavily involved in the Saudi leagues like marcineck?
DeleteHow many referees will be in Europe? Also my advice is that every country must have one referee it is not unfair in my opinion two referees from one country because this comes at the expense of another country
ReplyDeleteof course it's fair xD ... you would rather than have a Kruzliak or a Meler than a Turpin/Letexier or Oliver/Taylor?
DeleteNo I mean final selections england must be one referee also france
DeleteYou can only wish. Some countries are definitely going the WC 2026 with two referees. France, England, Argentina and Brazil are most likely having two centre referees in the World Cup
DeleteIMO, doubts for the selection of Eskas and Peljto. Then FIFA have to choose among Pinheiro, Scharer and Taylor to finalize the UEFA referees ratio. The remaining referees seem a certainty.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion I know collina is a fair man so choose and england and france one referee each of them like other countries
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DeleteI don't know the Experience that taylor and turpin have whose var every game 😁
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ReplyDeleteThe youngest one for this selection is letexier but I don't think age have any matter for this kind of selection the important thing is performance
ReplyDeleteLetexier is already established and has outgrown the support referee position in my opinion. A referee with a Euros Final and Semi Final appearance shouldn't be reduced to just support role in the World cup.
DeleteWhat about female referees ??
ReplyDeletePenso & García from Concacaf are the only female candidates.
DeleteI think also Yamashita....She will officiate AFC Women's Asian Cup at 1 to 21 March
DeleteIf the Experience have any kind of matter have not been preferring zwayer from siebert who participate last world cup
ReplyDeleteAfter Uruguay - Ghana, it's understandable (even if one could perfectly disagree with it) that FIFA decided to 'permanently' reject Siebert.
DeleteI don't understand this view that Siebert is supposed to be better. His performances in recent months don't determine World Cup qualification, by just be better in the last 6 months. Besides, Felix was at the Club World Cup, officiated the Europa League final and a Champions League semi-final, where he performed well. I agree that this season hasn't been his best, but judging him solely on his recent performances to say he doesn't deserve to be in the WC isn't fair either.
ReplyDeleteWhen I spoke about siebert, i meant both could have been picked, but for sure zwayer is ahead
Delete"... Siebert performances in recent months don't determine World Cup qualification"
DeleteNeither are Zwayer's performances
Did you read the rest tho? :)
DeleteHow many from each federation will make the final cut? And lets say in the case of injuries, who replaces them
ReplyDeleteI think that list for the UEFA side is almost the final one, i don't really see who can join that list, and i think FIFA will take 2 referees from England and France so imo that is probably the europeans that will go to the WC
ReplyDeleteSo, if Siebert is out because of URUGHA at the last WC, then Al-Jassim for the third-place game and Arab Cup performance should be out too? Oh, he isn't? Just saying...
ReplyDeleteI am wondering whether the current list could already be the final one, with only the question remaining as to who will serve as referee and who (exclusively) as fourth official: At the 2022 World Cup, 29 referees and 7 'mere' fourth officials were used in 64 matches. With 104 matches this time, a linear projection would require 47 referees and 11 'mere' fourth officials, which exactly equals the 58 men and women participating in the seminars.
ReplyDeleteAbout UEFA this will be the final list IMO:
ReplyDeleteEskås – NOR
Kovács – ROU *
Letexier – FRA *
Makkelie – NED *
Marciniak – POL *
Mariani – ITA *
Nyberg – SWE *
Oliver – ENG *
Pinheiro – POR *
Sánchez Martínez – ESP *
Schärer – SUI
Taylor – ENG
Turpin – FRA *
Vinčić – SVN *
Zwayer – GER *
Peljto – BIH out or support referee
* Referees that will be 100% picked due to great CV or solid CV and strong passport.
Some of the names were strongly pushed last half a year to have "richer" CV: Eskas and Nyberg from FIFA referee committee (Arab Cup), Mariani from both FIFA and UEFA referee commitee (U20 World cup final), Pinheiro with Super Cup final and Peljto with Conference league final (both pushed by UEFA referee committee).
Of course word pushed doesn't have negative context, these are best european referees with an exception of one name which I won't mention :)
Why do I think Pejto has the least chance for the World cup? Because of the (undeserved?) treatment he received from the UEFA Referee Committee, which distanced him from the world championship, and I think that distancing from the world championship is one of the reasons for such treatment.
In the end, when I talk about CV I don't think Serdar and Kruzliak had any chance. No finals, no strong push from both committees.
Siebert and Gil Manzano were simply dropped as "less good" referees at the national level.
Just to add, why some names are not 100% picks:
DeleteTaylor-It's 90% chance but it will be interesting to see his treatment by UEFA Referee committee in the next part of the season
Scharer-If he will be 100% fit and healthy he will be in the USA
Eskas-Only in option if Peljto is totally out, Eskas will be support referee. I can't find other name (scenario with Mariani or Pinheiro as support referee is almost impossible to me)
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DeleteYou repeat is promoted elite in 2025 I want to ask one question since when Jil manzano or siebert is elite if the elite is important for this selection why exlude for this preselection not even final selection
DeleteGood to see Scharer on the list. His recent injury that made him miss the U20 WC (again) could have seen him be cut. Siebert maybe unlucky to miss out. I would put him ahead of Peljto, Pinheiro and Sanchez Martínez personally.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI wonder are we overthinking the power of federations here. FIFA in the past have at times have refused to nominate from bigger federations if the talent wasn't there/not ready for a world cup
2018 no English representative after clattenburgs retirement
Club world cup no Spanish / Italian referee.
In those situations it would seem they decided not to nominate those who they thought were not ready
For that reason I think it is very likely we see both Taylor and eskas as main referees. Both have experience in big FIFA tournaments and have been trusted by fifa
Taylor WC,CWC, Euro X2
Eskas CWC , arab cup
I then think we will maybe get one of Mariani or Sánchez Martínez but I don't think we will get both. But my bet will be on marini.
Of the rest
Peljto might have a chance but his treatment has been interesting
Pinheiro maybe in the future or as a back up referee but he quite simply is not ready at the moment
Schärer i think if he stays injury free he is on the plane whether as main referee or additional referee
*Eskås – NOR
*Kovács – ROU
*Letexier – FRA
*Makkelie – NED
*Marciniak – POL
*Mariani – ITA
*Nyberg – SWE
*Oliver – ENG
Peljto – BIH
Pinheiro – POR
Sánchez Martínez – ESP
*Schärer – SUI
*Taylor – ENG
*Turpin – FRA
*Vinčić – SVN
*Zwayer – GER
The number of UEFA referees at the World Cup (since 2010) roughly corresponds to the formula 'number of GS matches where they will be confederationally neutral, divided by two and minus one or two'. According to my rudimentary maths, this means: (4x2 + 8x3) / 2 = 16, and then if you were to take the upper bound of the final minus, that would make 14. Arriving at the number fourteen is quite easy, because there are two obvious deletions: Scharer for injuries and Peljto, who is clearly a good referee, but in my opinion is not quite good enough for the WC and also experienced some problems not only in Madrid, but additionally in the U20 WC (he didn't recognise a clear VC in front of him in Korea-Paraguay fe). Getting to thirteen or even twelve is much more difficult and involves some hard choices. What is quite clear though is, apparently contrary the expectation of most writing here, Espen Eskas will not fall victim to any cuttings - it is obvious he is liked by FIFA and, for what my view is worth, I would add that he was the best referee at the Arab Cup.
DeleteIt is a clear that pljeto and sandro schärer will not be the final selection but the competition will be the others but I think also taylor and vincic must be exclude for physical reasons
ReplyDeleteAnd Pinheiro will be there? hahahaha you are amazing
Delete
DeleteSo am I right you will exclude
Taylor euro X2 wcx1 cwcx2 Europa league final, nations league final, club world cup final & super cup final as well as 150 international games as main referee
Or vinic euros X2 WC X1 cwcx2 champions League final Europa league final and 154 international games as main referee
For Pinheiro who has done the supercup final and has 80 international matches as main referee
In terms of CV they both have significantly more experience and a better CV. In terms as quality of referee they are both superior to Pinheiro as both could probably be considered as candidates for at least a quarter final.
The only thing is age but FIFA have amended the age requirements of 45 as seen by Kuipers and if my memory serves Orsato and now obviously Taylor and Vicnic
I think when looking at the list of European Referees who will be sent to the world cup You have to think of who could be kept on past the group stage of the tournament to give FIFA the most amount of flexibility and unfortunately for Pinheiro there are too many names ahead of him to even be considered.
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ReplyDeleteInteresting discussion above, thank to all.
ReplyDeleteWhat I can add as personal opinion, as always, is the following: surem names, I agree with most of you, should be Kovacs, Letexier, Makkelie, Marciniak, Mariani, Nyberg, Oliver, Sanchez Martinez, Taylor, Turpin, Vincic and Zwayer. So we have 12 referees here, and maybe more are needed, given the format of next WC.
Before talking about the others, just let me add something about them: I considered, before the start of this preselection, Nyberg as candidate but not a sure name. Then, I think what now speaks definitely in favor of him is the final assignments and no doubts. About Mariani, the assignments for U20 final is indeed the ticket, but here differently from Nyberg, the Italian has been pulled out of nowhere, sorry to say, given how he performs in serie A it's a very lucky thing that he will be sure name for WC, I mean a referee from every country could have received the same specific treatment.
Sanchez Martinez wouldn't be so much distant maybe from Mariani, and in a way Spain is suffering something similar to the mentioned country. Gil Manzano has started to lose everything after the missed penaty in Ukraine - Italy, one must admit, he didn't pay maybe a short time after, but definitely he paid with the interests now. For me, he was never a very top referee, but when very good in some games, no doubt he was by far better than Sanchez Martinez (this can look like just a replacement just for changing a name for some aspects).
Then now, about the other referees who could be in doubt and maybe betwen them we could find the reserve official: Eskas, Peljto, Pinheiro, Schaerer. Very different point of view about the Norwegian with Mikael and I think that's good for discussion's purposes. While I think he did rather good in many games and he gained surely credit with FIFA, in my opinion considering all the referees who are preselected, he could be perceived in a certain position. I wouldn't see a scandal if the Norwegian will be used as reserve referee, but of course let's say he could officiate games without issues. Then, Schaerer: I think a way to "compensate" the fact that he didn't officiate at any FIFA tournament before the tournament could be compensated by a call as reserve referee, but in reality one must consider the level he has reached at UEFA (very top) and the fact that he is from Switzerland.
Peljto: very good referee, but "young" (not about age) in some aspects if compared to others, he wouldn't be maybe too much disappointed of attending a WC as reserve, nevertheless I think it would be a pity and he would deserve to officiate a game. Finally, Pinheiro, highliy regarded by UEFA, coming from strong federation, but to me still a "newbie" in the meaning that he could easily work as reserve. So for me the cut will be decided between these last four officials I mentioned and very likely one of them will be called as reserve referee. That's my point of view and once again it's interesting to observe that the referee with the most discussed status seems Eskas. We will see.
There are 16 European referees at the seminar, and I expect 13, or at most 14, to make the final list.
ReplyDeleteAs for the “safe” ones, for me those are: Kovacs, Letexier, Marciniak, Mariani, Oliver, Taylor, Turpin, Vincic, Zwayer and Makkelie. In my opinion, the others – Eskas, Nyberg, Peljto, Pinheiro, Sanchez Martinez and Schärer – all have similar chances, with Eskas and Nyberg standing out as the most likely to be included. That said, I personally don’t think Eskas is at the level he is often portrayed to be, considering the very “strong” appointments he keeps getting.
Pinheiro, Peljto, Sanchez Martinez and Schärer are, for me, fighting for that last spot – or two spots if FIFA goes with 14 referees. Again, this is how I think FIFA will look at it, although Eskas could very easily fall into this “uncertain” group as well.
Pinheiro? I don’t think he deserves to be at the World Cup yet. As one of the most recent additions to the elite list, I feel it’s simply too early and somewhat unfair to other referees. Even though UEFA clearly trusts him (I’m not entirely sure why, to be honest), Collina gave him a U20 World Cup semifinal. He’s 37 now (turning 38 in January), so he’ll still be in contention if he keeps performing well for another one or even two World Cups. I’m not saying he won’t be on the list, but personally, I don’t think he deserves it just yet.
Peljto? One of the referees most talked about on this page. I understand why many think he won’t go to the World Cup, but before that match in Madrid, he was almost a sure pick. He had an incredible season and his performance in ARS–RMA in the Champions League quarterfinal was excellent. After everything that happened recently, I’m no longer sure if he’ll make the list. Do I think he should? Yes. Will he actually be there? I honestly don’t know. Peljto is a top referee and, in my view, better than many elite referees. Considering everything so far and his age (he might only have one World Cup left in him), he should be included.
Schärer? A referee with an interesting CV and, of course, a EURO referee. The injury really set him back in terms of status. Without it, I think he would have been a safe pick. I’m not sure how FIFA will look at that, but given his age, I don’t think he’ll be on this list. He also hasn't any FIFA tournaments before. He still has a chance to be at the next two World Cups, which suggests his time is still ahead of him.
Sanchez Martinez? I think he will be on the list. Why? Very simple: Spain. Do we really think the committee will allow a tournament like this without a Spanish referee? No chance. His qualities aren’t in question, but personally, I think there are better referees than him. Still, good enough for a World Cup? Probably yes.
Conclusion? In my opinion, the one or two remaining spots should go to Peljto and Sanchez Martinez. Pinheiro and Schärer out. That’s what I hope for. The two I see as “out” due to age still have future World Cups ahead of them, while Peljto and Sanchez Martinez might be facing their last opportunity. Also, for me, Eskas belongs to this group level-wise, but his appointments at the Club World Cup, Arab Cup and other competitions show that UEFA clearly sees him as part of the final list.
We still don’t know how many referees will be selected. I’m hoping for 14, but 13 is also very possible.
At the end of the day, these are the lists as I’d like to see them, and the one I think we’ll realistically get, knowing the committee.
My expectations (personal):
Kovacs, Letexier, Marciniak, Mariani, Oliver, Taylor, Turpin, Vincic, Zwayer, Makkelie, Eskas, Nyberg, Peljto, Sanchez Martinez.
Expected list (knowing the committee):
Kovacs, Letexier, Marciniak, Mariani, Oliver, Taylor, Turpin, Vincic, Zwayer, Makkelie, Eskas, Nyberg, Sanchez Martinez, Pinheiro.
All in all, an exciting period is ahead, because one mistake can be very costly for most of these referees.
I don't think uefa in this edition of world cup have a reserve official . Why ? Because uefa have the most referees in a confederation so she does not need for reserve official so final selection may be thirteen referees or fourteen
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think Eskås has a virtually guaranteed spot at the World Cup. He was the best referee at the Arab Cup and seems to have prestige within UEFA and FIFA.
ReplyDeleteBut at club world cup he was not good only one match he had...So i am not sure he is fixed. I see him as a reserve max.
Deletevery average in arab cup
DeleteRegarding the number of reserve referees: The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams also means more matches in a short period of time. On the last day of the group stage, six games per day are played on several consecutive days, so 12 referees (including the fourth officials) are needed per day. If they are to have two days off before and after, we would need 36 referees on the three peak days. Moreover, there is not unlimited flexibility: referees should not officiate the same teams multiple times, they must not officiate in their own groups, they should not officiate prospective opponents of the next round, etc. So it will be interesting to see how FIFA handles this. A pragmatic approach could be something like "A referee or fourth official who officiates at venue A will also serve as the fourth official there two days later." However, especially on the third day of the group stage, it will really get really tight and inflexible.
ReplyDeleteAt the CWC, the fourth officialy mostly were assigned to a specific venue and did (nearly) all games there. And the main referees were mostly used as 4ths at the Florida venues (near their base camp)
DeleteSo this might be a strategy for next summer as well. It would mean a relatively high number of support officials.
@Philipp S: I also thought of this possibility. As I recall, in past tournaments, also referee observers were sometimes more or less 'stationed' at certain stadiums. However, we would then actually need up to 16 fourth officials, which also suggests that the current list of 58 referees can hardly be reduced, but just remains open as to who will actually officiate matches and who will only serve as a fourth official. Also, considering that the referees for this tournament have to plan more than their entire limit of vacation, will need additional days off for preparations, etc., I think it would be 'humane' to give them timely certainty about whether they are nominated (in whatever function).
DeleteWho do we think is going as VARs as that has not been released. I am being biased but I would be surprised if gillett is not selected considering he has had 6 cl and 2 el matches this season aswell as the Arab cup (he can also work with the aus team)
ReplyDeletePersonally I think it's quite likely that all VARs who went to the Arab Cup (minus Iida who was rejected for wrong OFR in Morocco-Comoros) will go to the World Cup. Gillett should be 100% in regardless though
DeleteDo we have the ability to make a historical comparison against the final seminar lists for 2022? What I'm wondering is how many referees from each confederation were called to the final seminars vis-a-vis how many made it from each confederation?
ReplyDeleteIt FEELS like the final numbers for the seminars here are pretty low compared the expected number of selections. Taking UEFA as the obvious example, it is hard to identify the obvious cuts; I feel like at this point in 2021, we knew a few names were obviously there but wouldn't make the final cut. But I might be misremembering things.
The reason I bring this up is precisely because of the fourth official issue with a tournament this large (both from number of matches and geography). I really wonder if all of the referees at the final seminars might make it to the tourament somehow.
What I can find for UEFA about the 2022 preselection is that the last seminar took place on December 2021, one year before the tournament, in UAE (same location of next's March UEFA referees' meeting).
DeleteThese were the names:
Georgi Kabakov (BUL)
Michael Oliver (ENG)
Anthony Taylor (ENG)
Benoît Bastien (FRA)
Clément Turpin (FRA)
Daniel Siebert (GER)
Orel Grinfeeld (ISR)
Daniele Orsato (ITA)
Danny Makkelie (NED)
Szymon Marciniak (POL)
Artur Soares Dias (POR)
Ovidiu Hațegan (ROU)
Istvan Kovacs (ROU)
Sergei Karasyov (RUS)
Srdan Jovanović (SRB)
Slavko Vinčič (SVN)
Carlos del Cerro Grande (ESP)
Jesus Gil Manzano (ESP)
Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
Cuneyt Çakır (TUR)
And then on May 2022, the following UEFA referees were officially selected:
Michael Oliver (ENG)
Anthony Taylor (ENG)
Clément Turpin (FRA)
Daniel Siebert (GER)
Daniele Orsato (ITA)
Danny Makkelie (NED)
Szymon Marciniak (POL)
Istvan Kovacs (ROU, reserve*)
Slavko Vinčič (SVN)
Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (ESP)
Stéphanie Frappart (FRA, not attending prevous UEFA men's seminar)
* Nobody was officially presented as reserve referee by FIFA but then it was the Romanian to stay without games at the tournament.
Surely this time the cut will be smaller than four years ago.
And we can draw the conclusion, in my opinion, that FIFA will confirm the official names without adding any "reserve referee" information (best solution for Collina and Busacca). I think in this way they will be able to cut maybe only two names at maximum if not only one from the current UEFA list.
Sorry, correction, the seminar was on January 2022, not December 2021.
DeleteWhat is Giz Manzano's offence?
ReplyDeleteTo me, as said above, there isn't a real difference between him and Sanchez Martinez, but I think Gil Manzano paid the EURO Play off and a very bad form in the following years, nevertheless one can't say that now with the Murcian referee they have a phenomenon...
DeleteWhen I look at the list of the World Cup candidates, I get the impression—regardless of the performances delivered—that some from 'large' countries have hardly any experience in FIFA tournaments. José María Sánchez Martínez officiated only a single match in the group stage at the U17 World Cup. Is that really enough to be appointed as a main referee at the World Cup? Drew Fischer is a similar example: he was only active in the Club World Cup, where he didn’t get past the group stage, but as a representative of a co-host country, he is probably a sure pick.
DeleteFisher was at the 2024 Olympics as well
Delete@Kapetan: Oh, thank you, I missed that. However, he wasn't used beyond the group stage there either.
DeleteSánchez Martínez attended U20 WC in 2023 too, where he did a QF & a SF.
DeleteSanchez Martinez: two U20 World Cups, in the first one he officiated a semi.
DeleteI didn't miss Sánchez Martínez in 2023. However, with a view to a test for 2026, this tournament no longer seemed relevant to me.
DeleteAny clues on when we expect the list for assistant referees?
ReplyDeleteThe list for assistant referees is already set each referee normally works in a trio so generally the assistants will be the ones that work with him/her consistently.
DeleteFor example I know in the premier league Oliver and Taylor generally work with the same assistants as they do for FIFA tournaments
Predictions:
ReplyDeleteUEFA (13+2): Marciniak, Vinčić, Turpin, Letexier, Oliver, Taylor, Nyberg, Makkelie, Kovács, Mariani, Zwayer, Sánchez Martínez, Eskås (Pinheiro, Schärer)
CONMEBOL (8+2): Tello, Falcón, Sampaio, Abatti, Valenzuela, Matonte, Garay, Ortega (Benítez, Tejera)
CONCACAF (6+2): Elfath, Penso, Fischer, Ramos, Barton, Martínez (García, Calderon)
AFC (6+2): Faghani, Tantashev, Makhadmeh, Al Jassim, Ma Ning, Al Turais (Al Ali, Araki)
CAF (6+2): Omar, Ghorbal, Beida, Atcho, Jayed, Ndala (Artan, Sy)
OFC (1): Kawana-Waugh
For me impossible
DeleteSo how is your list Pinheiro Fan No.1?
DeleteIt’s one of the most realistic ones I’ve seen.
I know there is different between what person like and the reality but my opinion taylor , pljeto,schärer will be out
DeleteI think if scharer comes back strong, he can still aim for a spot ..before his injury, he refereed a UCL QF which is not to be forgotten. Eskas is still my big doubt, he hasn't convinced much in the arab cup.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't directly make the Peljto Sánchez Martínez comparison, because there could be other variables involved. In any case, everything is just about the specific weight of holding Spanish nationality. Will that be enough for Sánchez Martínez? If we look at his palmares and curriculum, in fact he is among the least experienced referees, if not actually the least experienced, in the UEFA pool (as I had written in a similar situation regarding Mariani, although the Italian was "artificially" boosted by a specific appointment to the U-20 World Cup final; otherwise it would have been the same scenario).
DeleteIn my view, I almost took his presence for granted exclusively because he is Spanish, but on paper that might not be sufficient. In any case, my reasoning is the following: if they had wanted to ensure a Spanish referee at the World Cup, they could certainly have retained Gil Manzano, even if he was out of favour. In his case, a clearly stronger career (including participation at the EURO) would have solved the issue. Instead, Sánchez Martínez would still need to be “built up” (like Mariani, indeed). Personally, I don't know, but just as example it is clear that if we look at these names from Eskås point of view, considering all the major FIFA appointments he has already received, then the Norwegian, just to make a comparison, would even be ahead of the Spanish. So, the situation will be very interesting to follow. Nevertheless, no doubts there will be rather controversial decisions in the selection, after all what we saw about assignments at these last FIFA tournaments in 2025...
With the VAR preselection they "solved" some open questions and they also gave the expected quota to women, but I think the only real call for WC there is Tatiana Guzman.
ReplyDeleteOn a personal note I would love to see hategan being selected surely one of the most unlucky referees over the past few years
ReplyDeleteI doubt if he would be considered for serious appointments given his battle with heart disease in the past
DeleteSome weird UEFA VAR choices if you take a look into the main VAR appearances in the Champions League Group Stage this year:
ReplyDeleteManuel Schuettengruber — AUT (1)
Alejandro Hernandez — ESP (0)
Angelos Evangelou — GRE (0)
Marco Guida — ITA (0)
Dennis Higler — NED (1)
Piotr Lasyk — POL (1)
André Narciso — POR (1)
Ovidiu Hategan — ROU (0)
Momcilo Markovic — SRB (0)
While not selected:
Stuart Attwell - ENG (3)
Michael Salisbury - ENG (4)
Guillermo Cuadra Fernández - ESP (5)
Cesar Soto Grado - ESP (3)
Andrew Dallas - SCO (3)
Aleandro Di Paolo - ITA (5)
Christian Dingert - GER (6)
Soren Storks - GER (5)
Tiago Martins - POR (3)
Pol van Boekel - NED (6)
Apparently, Chris Penso is nominated as a VAR/AVAR candidate for CONCACAF. As far as I know, he is Tori Penso's husband. Would be a special (and all the more due to the 'gender role' an interesting) signal if a man (as a VAR or AVAR) were to support his own wife (as the Head Referee).
DeleteSome of the names are indeed very suprising to read. From those with many UCL games that you mentioned I was sure Di Paolo, Dingert and Martins to be selected. The others are I understand why they were not choosed
DeleteIt seems to me quite clear to analyze how some choices were made specifically to resolve certain issues and give more to federations that were apparently struggling. Among others Spain, with only Sanchez, who can be considered moreover in doubt. Two Spanish VAR officials appear to be the minimum, so the Canarian is added to the Madrilenian at the monitor. Following that, obviously, Guida is rewarded for having been bypassed by Mariani in this particular choice, and it's clear that it didn't happen in a very easy way. In this manner, Guida is also rewarded of (and in all this, still another slight for Massa, always out of everything; but in terms of VAR, he never really liked this role, unlike others). Guida remains, in all cases, a political “compensation” decision (and at this point he will surely go, with Di Bello). It must also be admitted, however, that Di Paolo has been performing a bit poorly recently (even though he had attended FIFA meetings specifically for the World Cup). That said, in other cases, for me, there is a bit of a generational change needed, perhaps with Higler in the Netherlands taking the place of the always present Van Boekel, who without doubt has already had a lot in a long career.
ReplyDeleteFor Romania and Serbia, certainly good representatives such as Hategan (and I also think he will go) and Markovic.
Bebek is appreciated as very top by Collina, but for me, he is not a phenomenon as VAR. As for a name like Dankert, clearly, they could never do without him in any case…
UPDATE FOR UEFA
ReplyDeleteThe seminar has been postponed and then split in two groups.
Group 1 - 24 to 27 March 2026
Group 2 - 30 March to 2 April 2026
Italy
Group 1
Marciniak – POL
Nyberg – SWE
Oliver – ENG
Sánchez Martínez – ESP
Schärer – SUI
Turpin – FRA
Vinčić – SVN
Group 2
Taylor – ENG
Zwayer – GER
Mariani – ITA
Eskås – NOR
Kovács – ROU
Letexier – FRA
Makkelie – NED
Peljto – BIH
Pinheiro – POR
So WC final list not before April.
DeleteConsequently, thanks to the division into groups, we should already have an idea of who has been appointed for the 8 semi-finals (all referees in Group 2, except for one name), while for the finals, to follow on March 31st, the list of names is to be found in Group 1.
ReplyDeleteHaving to predict a name, without a game, from Group 2, I would say one between Pinheiro and Peljto.
Isn’t it crazy that one of the following won’t get a game?
DeleteMarciniak
Nyberg
Oliver
Turpin
Vinčić
One of them could get an interconfederational playoff final.
DeleteQuite likely Nyberg with intercontinenal play off
DeleteWhere is held for the seminar
ReplyDeleteTom Abongile RSA est de retour sur la liste présélectionnée pour la Coupe du Monde 2026 autant qu'arbitre et VAR
ReplyDeleteFIFA World Cup 2026 – Prospective Referees and Video Match Officials
ReplyDeleteCAF
Referees
1. Mustapha Ghorbal (ALG, 1985)
2. Jean Ndala (COD, 1987)
3. Amin Omar (EGY, 1985)
4. Pierre Atcho (GAB, 1992)
5. Dahane Beida (MTN, 1991)
6. Jalal Jayed (MAR, 1987)
7. Issa Sy (SEN, 1984)
8. Omar Artan (SOM, 1992)
9. Abongile Tom (RSA, 1991)
10. Mahmood Ismail (SDN, 1988)
Video Match Officials
1. Lahlou Benbraham (ALG, 1986)
2. Mahmoud Ashour (EGY, 1976)
3. Letticia Viana (ESW, 1985)
4. Hamza El-Fariq (MAR, 1990)
5. Maria Rivet (MRI, 1984)
6. Abongile Tom (RSA, 1991)
7. Haythem Guirat (TUN, 1990)
Seven in the first group, nine in the second. A more interesting and better question is why? Why isn’t it 8–8 in both? And a question for Chefren: are there any indications of how many referees from UEFA will go to the World Cup?
ReplyDeleteMore involved here must trust Rosetti and his team. For example now to count the number of matches during a week with the number of referees involved with FIFA. There are so many different things as make an impact how to manage apppiontments. For example how many of these referees will be involved already in the quarter finals or is a candidate for the finals?
ReplyDeleteWhile not selected:
ReplyDeleteStuart Attwell - ENG (3)
Michael Salisbury - ENG (4)
Guillermo Cuadra Fernández - ESP (5)
Cesar Soto Grado - ESP (3)
Andrew Dallas - SCO (3)
Aleandro Di Paolo - ITA (5)
Christian Dingert - GER (6)
Soren Storks - GER (5)
Tiago Martins - POR (3)
Pol van Boekel - NED (6)
What is going on with Var selection?
Play off final predictions:
ReplyDeletePATH A (Cardiff or Zenica)
WAL / BIH vs ITA / NIR: Marciniak
Path B (Valencia or Solna)
POL / ALB vs UKR / SWE: Vincic
Path C (Bratislava or Pristina)
SVK / KOS vs TUR / ROU: Oliver
Path D (Dublin or Prague)
CZE / IRL vs DEN / MKD: Turpin
My prediction for European qualifiers
ReplyDeletePoland vs Albania : mariani
Denmark vs north Macedonia : pljeto
Romania vs turkey : joao pinheiro
Italy vs north ireland : makellei
Slovakia vs kosovo : zwayer
Czech vs ireland: letexier
Ukraine vs sweden: taylor
Wales vs bosnia : kovacs
What stands out to me, after monitoring the appointments recently:
ReplyDelete- Sánchez Martínez is listed in Group 1 of the seminar, which effectively rules him out for a semi-final. A final also seems unlikely given the presence of the big guns. His R16 assignment in Lille was already on the lower end. Perhaps his performance in Atalanta vs Dortmund wasn’t particularly well received? The real question is whether this impacts his World Cup chances. Could we see another Spanish referee stepping in for the play-offs?
- Oliver is being carefully shielded with that Belgian-German clash. A play-off final feels inevitable, along with a solid quarter-final.
- Nyberg is also being kept under the radar. The only logical explanation is that he’s in line for an intercontinental final. That would make sense, especially for a UEFA referee without prior World Cup experience. On top of that, he looks like a strong candidate for the Europa League final. A quarter-final will follow.
- Peljto feels somewhat discarded after the Monaco match. There’s a sense a political game has been played here, with the Bosnian possibly losing out to someone with a stronger passport, like Mariani.
- No Pinheiro this round after Juve-Gala. The Portuguese referee has been heavily tested this season (Austria vs Bosnia and Juve-Gala come to mind; arguably games where a more experienced official would have fit better). One one hand, the level of testing is normal, especially given his relatively recent promotion to Elite. But on the other hand, it could also reflect internal politics in Nyon. Is Pinheiro at risk of losing ground to the returning Schärer? It wouldn’t be surprising.
- Zwayer is being kept out of the spotlight. Most likely because his World Cup ticket is already secured, and they want to avoid further exposure this close to the tournament. Let’s be honest: even his compatriot Stieler has arguably received the stronger appointment this week.
- Kovács dropping into the Europa League is probably a mix of necessity (an experienced Elite referee was needed) and a response to a questionable last Champions League outing. With Webb observing as a FIFA instructor, this looks like a form check. A play-off assignment likely follows.
- Taylor gets a routine Europa League match; typical for a referee whose limitations at Champions League level are well known. Still, he’s liked by FIFA, so there’s no real concern. A play-off appointment seems likely for him as well.
- Mariani: UEFA and FIFA have played this smart. A U-20 final, combined with solid exposure like PSG–Bayern in the group stage and a safe first leg of Real–City, while otherwise trying to not heavily expose him.
- Play-off finals for Turpin, Vinčić, Marciniak, and Oliver seem obvious. Especially the first three haven’t been protected much in the UCL—but with their reputations, the risk is minimal.
Even you say no pinheiro this round
DeleteSay i don't like pinheiro get match this round that good for yoy😁
Do you actually have anything to add content-wise, or are you just here whenever the name ‘Pinheiro’ pops up? 🙂
DeleteI’m trying to explain, with serious (political) arguments, why some referees get heavily exposed in difficult matches first, and then suddenly sidelined, while others are allowed to stay (and remain) under the radar.
I would say you for athing write your note if he does not appointed a game in European qualifiers he will not be in world cup
DeleteMy play-off predictions (Ref - 4O - VAR):
ReplyDeleteITA-NIR: Zwayer - Siebert - Dankert
WAL-BIH: Eskas - Meler - Dieperink
WAL/BIH - ITA/NIR: Marciniak - Nyberg - Kwiatkowski
(back-up: Nyberg - Kruzliak - Kwiatkowski)
UKR - SWE: Kovacs - Peljto - van Boekel
POL - ALB: Makkelie - Gözübüyük - Higler
UKR/SWE - POL/ALB: Turpin - Schärer - Brisard
TÜR - ROU: Letexier - Bastien - van Driessche
SVK - KOS: Taylor - Walsh - Gillett
SVK/KOS - TÜR/ROU: Vincic - Gil Manzano - Dingert
DEN - MKD: Mariani - Massa - di Bello
CZE - IRL: Pinheiro - Jablonski - Martins
CZE/IRL - DEN/MKD: Sanchez - Hernandez - del Cerro Grande
NCL/COD - JAM: Sampaio - Abatti - Garcia
IRQ - BOL/SUR: Oliver - Kavanagh - Bebek
Interesting appointments!
DeleteWhat makes you think Nyberg was assigned only as a 4th official rather than as a CR? I think, his reputation within UEFA and FIFA is quite solid?
I also wonder whether Makkelie can be in Path B, since the winner of Path B would end up in the same World Cup group as the Netherlands.
Nyberg: Due to the seminar groups, we know, that he can't have a SF. And IMO his recent appointments don't really indicate a particularly high status at UEFA at the moment.
DeleteBut obviously not impossible that he gets one of the finals (especially if Marciniak is not available).
Makkelie: I forgot to consider this aspect. I agree, that it should be avoided and would swap him with Zwayer to solve that.
My World Cup playoff predictions:
ReplyDeleteITA-NIR: Letexier
WAL-BIH: Zwayer
WAL/BIH - ITA/NIR: Marciniak
UKR - SWE: Kovacs
POL - ALB: Eskas
UKR/SWE - POL/ALB: Oliver
TUR - ROU: Mariani
SVK - KOS: Taylor
SVK/KOS - TUR/ROU: Turpin
DEN - MKD: Makkelie
CZE - IRL: Peljto
CZE/IRL - DEN/MKD: Vincic
Ukraine vs sweden: joao pinheiro , fourth official, gil manzano
ReplyDeleteNew rearrangement of the groups and Alejandro Hernández Hernández addition.
ReplyDeleteThe seminar will be held in Viareggio, second Collina's hometown.
Group 1 - 24 to 27 March 2026
Hernández Hernández ESP
Mariani ITA
Oliver ENG
Sánchez Martínez ESP
Schärer SUI
Turpin FRA
Vinčić SVN
Group 2 - 30 March to 2 April 2026
Eskås NOR
Kovacs ROU
Letexier FRA
Makkelie NED
Marciniak POL
Nyberg SWE
Peljto BIH
Pinheiro POR
Taylor ENG
Zwayer GER
What is the reason that hernandez is added for the preselection list ?
DeleteAre you asking me as if I were the one who decided that? :)
DeleteWhat is the reason Pinheiro isn't in both groups? Explain please.
DeleteAre you joking
DeleteI don't mean for that but I ask you as a opinion , is this relationship to replace marciniak
ReplyDeleteIs this relationship that he replace marciniak
ReplyDeleteDo we know how many referees will be there from Europe? or are we assuming the number?
ReplyDeleteI think Spain referees do not deserve a shot at this World cup
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly Spain had no on field referees at the Club World Cup, this trend should have kept on going but not replacing Hdz Hdz has the only Spanish representative because it feels certain that he will feature at the WC this summer
After a detailed check, I could verify that Hernandez Hernandez addition is not related to Marciniak injury. Indeed, the very first information on ths blog about the Spanish as new name in the list was reported in the night between 17 and 18 March by our reader xabi, and it was a day before the game at Anfield, played on 18 March at 20:45, in which the injury occurred in the game's warm up.
ReplyDeleteFIFA made official the addition with new groups on 20 March, but this had been already decided before.
So it is not due to Marciniak condition (I answer to Abdiaziz ahmed yousuf who asked for that) if they selected Hernandez Hernandez.
At this point if one thinks about the decision, the most logical explanation would be that they are not content with Sanchez Martinez and they want another name to be sure, but it should also mean that making this choice at this point (as it was reported by somebody who is right in my opinion) should also very likely mean that they really want to select him, otherwise it would have been expected choice to avoid that. Of course, just my ideas..
Out of all the referees, Hernández Hernández… Do things really have to be looked at based on passports? Does there have to be a Spanish referee on the list? Because of things like this, all of it is starting to lose its meaning a bit, and just like everywhere else, politics seems to play a role here too…
DeleteIf it were you, who would you choose instead of Hernandez? I just wondered dont offensive
DeleteYes I remember that comment about the famous Spanish journalist making the case that Hdz Hdz was added to the World cup list but l think as only a VAR I guess. Chefren what do you make of not having any Spanish ref at the WC and these so called Big FA's not having representatives at a major tournament is it realistic nowadays
ReplyDeleteYes, the inclusion of Hdz Hdz is too impulsive. Was it specifically Sanchez Martinez’s performance in Atalanta vs Dortmund that got rejected, or are we talking about a longer run of form?
ReplyDeleteThere’s been barely any FIFA monitoring for Hdz Hdz. Notably, his first UCL match this season was on November 26, 202, and since then, he’s had a solid run with five good appointments. What stands out: very few cards, which is probably something FIFA appreciates. Still, it all feels a bit reactive. Normally, referees go through a longer FIFA monitoring cycle, so if they want to maintain any “credibility”, it might be wiser not to bring a Spanish ref at all.
The situations in Spain and Italy look quite similar: two Elite referees competing for one spot (and underdelivering), and a third - arguably not better - ending up going instead.
Information regarding Szymon Marciniak: ,,Rumors of my injury, which would keep me out of refereeing for many months, are completely untrue. The truth is that I suffered a lumbar spine injury, which is the only reason I didn't referee the Liverpool-Galatasaray match. I've already returned to training, light for now, and from March 29th to April 3rd I'll be participating in a FIFA training camp for UEFA World Cup candidates. I'm very keen to participate in a third World Cup, which will be the biggest event of its kind in football history".
ReplyDeleteSource: TVP Sport (Poland)
That would be pretty nice
DeleteFinally found time to watch the third performance of Mateo Busquets Ferrer in U20 Copa Libertadores, the semi-final between CR Flamengo (BRA) and Club Olimpia (PAR).
ReplyDeleteFull match:
https://youtu.be/sqCAifD1RXI
Match minutes:
4:25 (7:10) play-on call after reckless-SFP challenge by 6FLA; see the replay in 7:10 at 0.25 speed
5:25 (6:30) play-on call and ignored demanding a YC to the opponent
16:35 PENALTY awarded for reckless tackle and YC 2FLA; quite atypical incident - the attacker is about to shot and the defender attempts a last resort flying challenge and hits both the ball and his opponent's ankle split second later; I could imagine the referee not being called by VAR (that was introduced for the last four games of the tournament; Carlos Orbe from Ecuador in this role here) having not given it but technically a correct call
26:40 possible YC 20OLI for SPA holding
32:20 possible YC ?OLI for holding
35:55 possible YC 19FLA for reckless challenge
39:30, 41:00 warning after two further fouls by OLI players
41:55 throw-in executed several metres away from where it should've been and possible YC 10FLA after kick in the face
44:40 (57:30) Goal OLI disallowed for handball - too quick whistle, VAR couldn't have been able to intervene if there was no handball!
50:00 advantage after head-to-head strike by 6FLA
54:45 management of DtR
60:30 (61:25) PAI holding, not enough, quick VAR check
65:40 YC 16FLA for reckless kick
68:05 throw-in changed to a FK after significant delay - VAR advice?; no replay, possible reckless
70:30, 90+4:10 after not detecting it earlier, the referee being alert regarding stealing metres at throw-in
73:35 after conceding a goal, 20OLI angrily reacts to a foul on his teammate what leads to a mass confrontation; 20OLI and 3FLA are cautioned, though actually it was more 5FLA who held down 20OLI for his shirt, possible YC to GK OLI for approaching the scene from a distance
80:20 RC 5FLA for VC - kicking an opponent without a chance to play the ball, very good spot and only correct sanction, unfortunately VAR Carlos Orbe with an unbelievable intervention and the excellent RC was changed to only a YC after showing a still frame to the referee; sorry but it's scandalous
A performance to forget by Busquets Ferrer. Too "LaLiga" approach: no communication with players, isolated, cards or nothing. Okay penalty (17') and no penalty (61'), too quickly awarded defensive FK for attacker's handball denying a possible VAR intervention (45') and terrible downgrading RC for VC to YC after OFR (81'). Apart from that, a too lenient and passive approach, especially in the first half.
Previous reports:
1) https://law5-theref.blogspot.com/2026/03/champions-league-202526-referee_9.html?showComment=1773122171857#c4991902679674554047
2) https://law5-theref.blogspot.com/2026/03/2026-fifa-world-cup-inter-confederation.html?showComment=1773549235070#c2521499418625042617
I (obviously) don't watch all of their games but from what i've seen in La Liga Garcia Vedura should have joined the FIFA list this year rather than Busquets.
DeleteWho will FIFA choose?
ReplyDeleteCONMEBOL [N. America]
(1/8)
Delete100 percenters: Jesus VALENZUELA, Wilton SAMPAIO, Facundo TELLO.
The analysis for CONMEBOL fits well into three themes: 1) an analysis of the three ‘100%-ers’, 2) the battle for second in Argentina and Brazil, and, 3) contenders for the remaining places. So then: in my judgement, the best referee in South America is Jesus Valenzuela (ven). The steady and continual progress of this official from one of the smaller CONMEBOL countries throughout the 2020s is much credit to him, because his rise is one that he himself managed to force by hard work and quality on the field of play. I would argue that his ascension is, also, one of two very specific cases where FIFA themselves can also take great credit as Valenzuela is quite evidently an excellent apprentice of their coaching and way of refereeing (reference to the other will follow in a later text).
As one needs it to, the ball would appear to have rolled kindly in certain instances for the Venezuelan official: presumably rated behind compatriot Alexis Herrera in 2019 (Herrera was a main ref at U20WC and JV was VAR), at the Copa America of that summer, Herrera performed very poorly in a difficult match (Colombia-Qatar) whereas Valenzuela was delegated a more discreet clash (Ecuador-Japan) which featured a small handful of robust tackles but which as far as I remember was handled well; Valenzuela was appointed fourth official for the ‘South American Europa League’ final in January 2021 when the main referee got Covid, JV stepped in and refereed the game assuredly; and, the match where I began to take notice of him as a big name, he handled one of the most difficult games of the Covid Copa America (another tournament where he was on the list initially as a VAR!), the Argentina-Colombia semifinal, in a careful and good manner. ‘The cream ultimately rises to the top’, the adage goes, and I think that is the correct lens through which the view this series of events.
Valenzuela was one of the big winners of the Qatar WC, with his adequate handling of the rather sterile England-Usa group stage tie and then good performance in the R16 match between France and Poland; remember, it is always a big compliment to a referee when, as a non-UEFA official, he is appointed by FIFA to a match in which a European official would be eligible in confederational neutrality. I think Valenzuela has become a better referee since the last WC. He has, from a position of not being the most naturally charismatic person during matches, developed into an excellent player manager with his gestures and facial expressions on the field of play. Perhaps, one could have had doubts about authentic this all was, but I must say that I’m now very sold on Valenzuela and consider him to be the ‘real deal’. His excellent performance in a game that would have been too challenging and defeated a likely majority of the referees at the next WC, the final of the UAE Super Cup in December, was a great personal triumph for the Venezuelan official and one that I would hope did not go unnoticed at Zurich. Valenzuela clearly has an excellent understanding of FIFA’s refereeing philosophy, because he uses ‘unofficial VAR interventions’ in a very liberal manner and has done so for at least a couple of years (maybe longer!). Even if his Club WC was rather nondescript, I think Valenzuela can prepare for a deep run at this World Cup - the one concern could be, perhaps, his country of origin in a tournament to be mostly hosted by the United States.
(2/8)
DeleteA referee who I have come around to a lot more in this World Cup cycle than the last, when I was relatively lukewarm on him, is Wilton Sampaio from Brazil. Sampaio was previously an official who stood for decent-to-good technical accuracy but struggling somewhat in management and softer skills. However the Brazilian, always able to count on excellent fitness and movement, has developed into quite a complete and likeable referee in my view. It seems that savouring the trust and belief that FIFA (and in particular, the important refereeing politician Wilson Seneme) had in him has helped Sampaio a lot. I think in 2026 he would be much better-placed to deal with a clash like the France-England quarterfinal, where the Brazilian didn’t referee disasterously, but by the end of that match had probably damaged the previously good impression from his three earlier games in the tournament. Sampaio’s biggest success in Qatar was his late appointment to (FIFA changed the assignment at the last minute to place the Brazilian on the match) and quite good performance in the rather hot-button group stage match, Poland-Saudi.
Sampaio’s Club WC was good, and I would personally have considered him the optimal (non-European) referee to handle the final. Perhaps there is even an outside chance he could referee the World Cup final itself, but it seems to me a rather long shot. While Brazil was mostly able to send quite good referees to the World Cup in the years since the Coelho/Arppi/Wright dynasty, with perhaps the exception of Simon in ’02, they were probably not able to reach the very top of FIFA’s consideration - I think there is good probability that Sampaio will be able to count himself among that during the next World Cup. In any case, his presence at the tournament is a sure one.
An official who to Law5 readers should be known very well known on account of his appearance at Euro 2024 is Facundo Tello of Argentina. Tello, who blows his Molten Valkeen an (irritatingly) inordinate amount of times during a given match as a management tool, was described by Roberto Rosetti as “the best South America referee” during a press conference before the tournament. His performance in the widely-enjoyable match between Turkey and Georgia was much appreciated (even beyond the refereeing fraternity I think), but the Argentina guest official came unstuck in the MD3 decider Scotland-Hungary, when UEFA rejected him on the grounds that he had made clear match errors. The overall manner in which Tello handled the game was, like Turkey-Georgia, very good. While Scotland were infuriated by a penalty that he didn’t award them with time running out -- a generally acceptable (for me even preferable) play on call -- which would have annoyed UEFA as it contradicted the generally well-understood rule ‘give the decision that everybody expects’, what really sank Tello was an undetected shirt pull in the incident where Varga collapsed. I remember very well how long the ‘VAR Checking’ graphic appeared on television in those tense minutes as paramedics treated the Hungarian striker, and it rather does seem like the VAR for that match (Alejandro Hernandez, who didn’t appear again in any role therehence) ‘lost control’ for that period. The first half elbow incident wasn’t considered a big deal internally, and the highlighting of it in the published-RAP is testament to creation of that document as ‘justifying the assignments and decisions we took at the time post-facto, even if they contravene how they were assessed by us in the tournament’.
(3/8)
DeleteTello is a very good referee, but it seems difficult to judge the exact nature of what he can achieve and the extent of how big/difficult matches he can be assigned. At the Club WC, he did R.Madrid-AlHilal in the group stage and Dortmund-Monterrey in the R16, and was fourth official for the final. If that tournament was perhaps a little ‘below expectation’ for Tello, then the last World Cup where he reached the quarterfinals was probably ‘above expectation’ in equal measure. I think even his supporters (and I would consider myself generally among them) would admit that he is no Loustau/Pitana. Tello fits extremely well into the mould of ‘Europe vs. Other problem solver’, because he himself could quite easily be a UEFA referee with his style that Rosetti was/is so fond of. His three appointments at Qatar 2022 and two at the Club WC all cohere to this role. I would imagine that his World Cup, for which he is sure to be selected, will continue on those lines.
The battle for second, supposing it exists and that there will not be as many as three referees from Brazil and Argentina, is more interesting in one country than the other. It seems that in the Lusitanic country, the ruling has already been made in favour of Ramon ABATTI. Having refereed at the 2023 edition of the U20 World Cup, in the last Olympic Games, handling two group stage matches (Morocco-Iraq and one women’s fixture, the latter featuring an OFR!), was considered enough to select Abatti as the referee of the final at Paris 2024. Abatti’s performance in that prestigious and very exciting game was decent. The thirty-six year old official is, crucially, well-liked by his compatroiot Seneme, and would appear to have his spot in the World Cup sewn up. My view on Abatti is quite steadfast - he is, at least for the moment, (very) overrated. In UEFA stakes, I can’t really see any scope for him to be promoted beyond the 1st Category. It is clear that while Abatti has learnt well from FIFA’s ‘be an actor’ training, he often struggles to arouse any respect from players and it always seems to me that gaining acceptance on the FoP is quite an uphill struggle for him. Abatti doesn’t really compensate for that with excellent calls either, his decisions are mostly in the region of decent-to-good. FIFA have bet quite a lot on him, and based on the merits of his performances on the pitch, it isn’t totally apparent to me why. Abatti does have qualities, a strong palmares (as said, his Olympic final performance deserves a passing grade and he reached the quarterfinals of the Club WC) and generally I wouldn’t begrudge him a WC place overall: but the Brazilian’s rather benign and seemingly preordained road to his current status can be contrasted quite sharply with Valenzuela.
(4/8)
DeleteThe apparently strong positions of both Sampaio and Abatti, if you take as a maxim that Brazil will be capped at two referees, would seem to leave the Qatar WC official Raphael CLAUS out in the metaphorical cold. However I must say that the absence of Claus, who does not enjoy the same Seneme support as the two aforementioned referees, would be no great loss for this year’s World Cup. It seems the goal of this official, much too often, is to referee matches awarding the least number of yellow cards as humanly possible - this is set apart even from FIFA’s approach, and thus had the remarkable consequence that Claus behaved at the last World Cup like old referees used to, acting more strict than usual in order to avoid the censure of FIFA. I know that Claus is reflexively quite well rated, and indeed optically he comes across as a seious/good referee, but I would stress from my perspective this referee has shown jarring limitations on a diverse number of occasions. For instance, to pick the most recent episode that I can recall: in the Saudi league last month, Claus only saw fit to award a yellow card to a player from Al-Hilal who headbutted an opponent (the opponent was also cautioned). I think his appointment to the final of the last Copa America, that tournament run not by Seneme but another former referee (Cacares of Paraguay), was an ex ante compensation for Claus’s apparently falling consideration inside FIFA and likely exclusion from the next World Cup. All things considered I think Claus is probably a slightly better referee than Abatti (at time of writing), but certainly not so much better to say that he (Claus) deserves a second World Cup, especially as the first did not go especially well in FIFA’s view.
The race for segundo puesto in Argentina, between Dario HERRERA and Yael FALCON PEREZ, appears much much closer. In apparent confirmation of this tightness, both Argentine officials were flown to the United Arab Emirates in order to, between them, referee the semifinals of an important domestic cup competition last weekend. They say in tennis that the best matches often feature a ‘contrast of styles’, and that is absolutely true in this Argentine contest too: Falcon is a typical modern-optic referee, whereas Herrera looks very old school. The appointments to those UAE cup games went as follows: technically-difficult top clash to Herrera, easier match featuring a lower-division side (whose manager is Pirlo) to Falcon. The nuanced reading of those assignments would cohere to my own view - that Falcon Perez is ahead, would be a better choice, and indeed is simply a better referee. If one wanted to write something excessively harsh, one could say of Dario Herrera that he is ‘a poorer iteration of Hector Baldassi’. Herrera, like Claus, is not a bad referee per se, but I don’t think either the Argentine’s calls or leadership style on the field of play are particularly excellent. Herrera’s performance last Saturday was generally okay, but not more than that. The big weakness of Falcon Perez, besides some weird incidents in the Club WC which could possibly count against him, would be his tendency to become too passive in his matches - it seems to me that he has mostly overcome this negative aspect. I was fortunate enough to watch one of Falcon’s Paris 2024 matches in the stadium, and he performed convincingly on that occasion. Herrera seems a good man, and it will surely hurt him a lot were he to be omitted from the final WC list, but I believe that will be the case. Finally, in a manner similar to Claus’ CA final, it seems that the two CONMEBOL club finals last year were also delegated in a compensatory manner to referees who were not expected to be selected for the World Cup (sud: Maza; lib: Herrera). We will see!
(5/8)
DeleteProbably the CONMEBOL official who had the most positive 2025 in FIFA competitions is the Chilean Cristian GARAY. Garay was the only name on the Copa America 2024 referees list who I knew nothing of, and one can guess that he won a lot of plaudits for his performances in the CONMEBOL U20 championship of the previous year (’23), when the referee from Chile handled the de facto final. As one of the most inexperienced referees at the last Copa America, Garay was logically appointed for one of the smaller group stage clashes, Ecuador-Jamaica. The match in fact did not go well for him though - the Chilean official was rejected by CONMEBOL (see here: https://youtu.be/Elks_ASRDPs). I wasn’t following the Copa America in great detail, but it seemed to me like Garay was likely to have blown his chance to become a top referee in South America. However, quite rightly, one incident should not be enough to derail a career. Clearly Garay was doing something right, because he was among the most surprising of the twenty-nine selected main referees for the Club WC. According to the CONMEBOL appointments, Garay’s inclusion probably didn’t make much sense, and the absence of his compatriot Piero Maza would have looked surprising.
However, and I’m trying to formulate this in the politest possible way - particularly given his relative lack of quality (Maza tries to act like a big name but in reality is not one), I think choosing Maza for the World Cup in 2026 would probably have been more trouble than it was worth. FIFA themselves apparently came to the same conclusion. In the Club WC, Garay was rather unfairly thrown straight in at the deep end by his initial assignment to Miami-Porto (not especially convincing performance), but in his work at the Arab Cup, I became convinced that FIFA had made a very good choice and that Garay is an able, WC-level referee. I guess much was on the line for the Chilean in the tricky quarterfinal match at that tournament, Syria-Morocco, but the manner in which Garay handled this game was actually very good in both technical and leadership aspects. I think he is very close to being a ‘100-percenter’ for the next World Cup. The cases of Garay and Jayed, do pay much compliment to FIFA’s ability to ‘scout’ referees, in spite of the (not insignificant!) number of regrettable things in their way of working nowadays. For this, they should be given sincere plaudits.
(6/8)
DeleteIn 2002, FIFA were able to call upon five (and it would have been six had Larrionda not been torpedoed back home) genuinely high class referees from South America who could handle very challenging matches. Nowadays, the situation in the Latine continent is significantly more modest, but after Garay, there is still one more name who can seem to be quite sure about an impending selection for the World Cup. A referee whose position is near identical to the Chilean is the Uruguayan official Gustavo TEJERA. If one imagines a graph with an x-axis ‘prestigiousness of the appointment’ and a y-axis ‘difficulty of the appointment’ - if you are delegated a clash which falls into the top left of the graph, you ought be worried; but, being given a fixture in the bottom right is a sign that you are liked by the people making the assignments. New Caledonia-Jamaica, the key Intercontinental playoff semifinal but which in reality will be close to a non-event, falls very firmly into this bottom-right area and would seem to make clear FIFA’s intention to take Tejera to the World Cup. Thus, one can conclude that Tejera was a big winner of the last U20 World Cup in Chile, where he was appointed to referee a semifinal. In terms of style, the Uruguayan official can be described as ‘Rapallini 2.0’; I’m not completely sold on Tejera, but it seems that FIFA are convinced and he will be selected for the World Cup. Finally, if Garay’s can be viewed as an ‘anti-Maza’ vote, then it would seem that with Tejera’s consideration, FIFA have admitted what was surely quite obvious to most serious onlookers even before the Qatar WC - Andres MATONTE simply does not have the requisite quality to referee at the highest level of international football, and his inclusion at all in 2022 was one of the most bizarre in recent World Cup history. I see Matonte’s chances to return to the World Cup in 2026 as near zero.
Preempting the selection of Valenzuela, Sampaio, Tello, Bra2, Arg2, Garay and Tejera would give one space left for an eighth CONMEBOL referee as per the slot allocations, and leave three referees fighting for it. They are: Andres ROJAS, Juan Gabriel BENITEZ and Kevin ORTEGA. Rojas from Colombia, would seem to have been decisively struck down by his confederation in a surreal manner. Colombia’s WC candidate official misread an incident in a Libertadores quarterfinal during September last year between Flamengo RdJ and Estudiantes de La Plata, which resulted in him awarding a second yellow card incorrectly to the Brazilian team. It seems this call made some important (non-refereeing) people really angry, in the same way that they were angered by Andres Cunha continually refereeing games that Brazil teams lost, and apparently they set sight on trying to destroy Rojas’ career. A really strange sequence then followed: CONMEBOL announced that Andres Rojas had been withdrawn from the U20 World Cup. As the event was not run by CONMEBOL they didn’t have the power to action this punishment, and FIFA refused to abide by the command. However, when Rojas arrived at the tournament, his inclusion was purely perfunctory, because he then didn’t feature in any game at the U20 WC at all (not even fourth official or AVAR).
CONMEBOL, in trying to fail a referee for one singular incident, behaved disgracefully. Events similar to this did also happen in the past, but there is a very modern (and sour) flavour to this whole affair. To add the impression of chaos in the Rojas file, he was not initially included in the South American seminar, but then (like Tom, Nation and Hernandez) was included at late notice. Rojas is a decent, not outstanding referee (especially in terms of charisma/management) and I don’t think he is a great loss to the next World Cup - but it is impossible not to feel sorry for the way in which he was treated by his own confederation. Perhaps there is a small chance for him, helped by Ruiz, to be selected as a reserve referee?
(7/8)
DeleteIf one can discount Rojas, then the battle for octavo would look to be between Benitez (par) and Ortega (per). One could write a long story on the topic of Paraguayan referees in the time of Leoz and Alarcon, but there is now a very curious modern chapter on the issue. The story, as I understand it, goes like this: after Seneme, the person who was appointed to do Rosetti’s job in South America was the former top 2010s referee, Enrique Caceres from Paraguay. At a certain time, due to a personal conflict, Caceres refused to appoint any referees from his country to matches in CONMEBOL competitons (like Velasco and the Spaniards but for a much longer period of time). The Paraguayan association protested to FIFA, but were told it was a confederational matter. Then, enter stage left Juan Gabriel Benitez, who turned out to be a decent-ish but unspectacular law-enforcer style official. To fulfil Paraguay’s spot at the last Copa America, he was selected as a referee. Benitez refereed only one match (Uruguay-Bolivia) but reserved in three, including a quarterfinal and then even the grand final itself with Claus; the nature of the latter appointment aroused my interest. Then, apparently from nowhere, Benitez was given the sonorous qualifier Argentina-Colombia, and appointed to the Club WC, where he only did one match. What makes this affair so interesting is by even a cursory glance at Benitez’s style, one can be almost certain that this is not a recommendation by Busacca, but a political arrangement decided above and mostly forced upon him. I was very interested therefore to see how Benitez would perform at the Arab Cup, for which he was nominated in the autumn of last year.
Benitez handled four matches at the Qatar-hosted tournament, and didn’t really manage to distinguish himself with his refereeing. One has to understand these test events, like the old Confederations Cup, as such - the appointments in them are not an absolute rating of merit but are designed to make a judgement about the ability of the officials in them. I’m sure that many referees were quite pleased to have avoided the Saudi-Jordan semifinal designation, as that game promised deep challenges for the referee (as it happened, weren’t that many foul duels in the game and thus it wasn’t remarkably challenging). But: I think even FIFA would agree that giving Benitez a semifinal, after having circa Bahrain-Sudan violated the now well-known criteria of two evitable interventions -> rejected, was unfortunate and better avoided. The official from Paraguay did referee Saudi-Jordan adequately, and was clearly supported by Busacca with the game’s most dramatic incident, when he (and the Uruguayan VAR, Garcia) didn’t award a penalty for handball in a quite unique incident. Busacca and FIFA were absolutely right in this instance and it is good they didn’t cave to baying of the Arab world, who were unanomously convinced that a penalty should have been awarded. Benitez, amassing four interventions during the competition, predictably featured often in the appearance on Qatari TV of Busacca and Collina in the days before the Intercontinental and Arab finals took place. The two Italian-speaking managers only talked through obvious situations and praised the officials, but just about the only criticism of their referees let slip when talking about the violent conduct in Bahrain-Sudan: the Swiss manager (rightly) criticised Benitez for showing a ‘lack of alertness’ in that incident.
(8/8)
DeleteI have a partly sympathetic view towards the Paraguayan ref due to his style, and the Arab Cup should have clarified the following: Benitez is a mostly decent referee who can handle normal and sometimes even quite challenging matches in an adequate manner, but especially in terms of cleverness and management, he would definitely fall short of a WC-level referee, in usual circumstances. I think the optimal solution would be to select Benitez as a reserve referee, but perhaps the suppositional political diktat renders that scenario insufficent. In any case: Benitez’s probable rival certainly had a fortuitous end to 2025, Kevin Ortega. The youthful-looking official from Peru was called up as emergency referee for the U20 World Cup in Chile, due to a remarkable number of referees who became unavailable (Al-Kaf, Scharer, Sanchez and Rojas). Ortega reached the quarterfinals of that event, and his appointment to a very key Saudi league match a couple weeks ago at a time when many borderline candidates were being watched over, is seemingly irrefutable evidence that the Peruvian is in with a reasonable shot at 2026. It had seemed to me that Ortega, a Qatar WC reserve referee whose ability seems to hard to conclusively determine, had blown himself up with his notoriously poor handling of the Uruguay-Usa tie at the last Copa America. Maybe if not for all those absences at the U20 in Chile, it would have. I’ve watched a number of WC candidate-refereed matches in the Saudi league in the last two months, but by far the most amazing and authoritive was the AlQadisiyah-AlAhli match two weeks ago which Ortega was placed in charge of.
The level of difficulty was very high, bordering on extreme. I think you can view Ortega’s performance in two ways: an assessor in the stands could certainly offer the Peru official a significant number of areas for development in the way in which he handled the game; he was often undermined by players, gave warnings with no clear stepped approach or target, offered a carte blanche on not retreating, and barely managed to assure match control. However, another perspective could be: adhering very well to FIFA’s vision for refereeing (contra Benitez), Ortega showed to be a modern-styled, athletic official who managed to stay afloat in a match of remarkably high-difficulty. So, one could extrapolate that if he will be in charge of games that are lower-difficulty than this extreme Saudi task, then Ortega will still be able to referee them adequately. Personally, I think you should be very sceptical about choosing a referee for the World Cup who has technical weaknesses to such a significant degree. However, Benitez situation dependent, it seems like Ortega may just have done enough to squeeze over the line and become the first Peruvian official to referee at the World Cup since 1998.
(S. America, not N. America, of course!)
DeleteThank you, Mikael. A pleasure, as always
DeleteThe knowledge you have not only on UEFA officials but basically on every referee in the world is absolutely unbelievable, Mikael
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