FIFA Names 170 Match Officials for 2026 World Cup — Largest Officiating Team Ever, Body Cameras Debut

FIFA announced on April 10, 2026 the appointment of 170 match officials for the World Cup — the largest FIFA Team One ever assembled, with 41 more officials than Qatar 2022. The roster comprises 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials drawn from 50 of FIFA's 211 member associations, representing all six confederations. In a historic first, match officials will wear body cameras during the tournament. Six women officials are included — continuing the trend from Qatar 2022 where the first all-women refereeing team was deployed. Notable appointed officials include England's Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor. All 170 officials are required to attend a preparation seminar in Miami from May 31 to June 10 — directly before the June 11 opening match between Mexico and South Africa at Estadio Azteca. The appointment underscores the scale of the 48-team, 104-match tournament, which requires substantially more officiating resources than any previous World Cup.