Morocco will have four referees officiating at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including its first central referee at the tournament in nearly two decades.
FIFA confirmed the full list of match officials today for the tournament taking place from June 11 to July 19 across. In total, 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials (VAR) were selected.
The announcement also includes 20 African officials in total, and Morocco has emerged as one of the continent’s best-represented nations alongside Egypt.
Representation across all categories
Morocco’s four officials are spread across the different roles:
- Jalal Jayed (referee)
- Mustapha Akarkad (assistant referee)
- Zakaria Brinsi (assistant referee)
- Hamza El Fariq (VAR official)
Jayed’s appointment is particularly significant, because he becomes the first Moroccan central referee selected for a World Cup since 2006.
Ndala left out after AFCON final controversy
One of the notable absences from FIFA’s list is Jean-Jacques Ndala, who officiated the controversial 2025 AFCON Final.
That match drew widespread attention due to a series of disputed decisions and an unusual temporary walk-off by Senegal players. While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later cleared Ndala of any wrongdoing, FIFA has opted not to include him among the referees for the 2026 tournament.
Morocco’s strong presence follows the awarding of FIFA international badges to 33 Moroccan referees earlier this year.
With four officials selected across different categories and growing representation at the highest level, Moroccan refereeing continues to gain recognition on the international stage, an important step ahead of the country’s role as co-host of the 2030 World Cup.
Read also: FIFA Removes Ndala From 2026 World Cup Following AFCON Final Controversy
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