World cup 2026: four Moroccan referees selected by FIFA

Yesterday 10:50

The FIFA has officially released the list of match officials selected for the World Cup 2026, confirming a strong Moroccan presence among the refereeing teams appointed for the tournament. The announcement highlights Morocco’s growing reputation in international football officiating.

In total, four Moroccan referees have been chosen to participate across different refereeing categories, reflecting the confidence of FIFA in their skills, experience, and physical readiness. Their selection is based on consistent performance in international competitions and adherence to the highest refereeing standards.

Among the selected officials, Jalal Jayed has been appointed as a central referee. He is part of the group of African referees selected to take charge of matches during the tournament, representing one of the key roles in on-field decision-making.

In addition, two Moroccan assistant referees have been included in the list: Mostafa Akarkad and Zakaria Brinsi. Both will operate along the touchlines, assisting with match control, offside decisions, and overall game management to ensure fairness and accuracy.

Morocco’s representation is further strengthened in the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, with Hamza El Fariq selected as one of the African VAR officials. His role will involve supporting referees through video technology to review key match incidents and ensure correct decisions.

This strong presence of Moroccan officials across multiple refereeing roles highlights the country’s progress in football officiating and confirms its position as a key contributor within the African refereeing community at the global level.