Morocco is set to showcase its refereeing prowess at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with four officials selected to take the field. This marks a significant milestone for the North African nation, as it will feature its first central referee at the tournament since 2006. The 2026 event, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, will see a total of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials (VAR) deployed across various matches.
The selected Moroccan officials include Jalal Jayed, who will serve as the central referee, and Mustapha Akarkad and Zakaria Brinsi as assistant referees. Hamza El Fariq will join them as the VAR official. The appointment of Jayed is particularly noteworthy, as it marks his first World Cup appearance in nearly two decades.
One notable absence from the list is Jean — Jacques Ndala, who officiated the controversial 2025 AFCON Final. Despite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) clearing Ndala of any wrongdoing, FIFA has decided to exclude him from the 2026 referees’lineup. The 2025 AFCON Final was marked by a series of disputed decisions and an unusual temporary walk-off by Senegal players.
This strong Moroccan presence at the international stage follows the recent awarding of FIFA international badges to 33 Moroccan referees earlier this year. Moroccan refereeing continues to gain recognition globally, a positive sign as the nation prepares for its role as a co-host of the 2030 World Cup.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Farah Ben Gamra
