Selected African Referees Commence World Cup Preparation

Selected African Referees Commence World Cup Preparation

Sampson Adedeji

Barely four months to the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States, selected African referees have commenced intensive preparations for the global tournament, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The officials, chosen by FIFA based strictly on merit, performance ratings and disciplinary conduct in both domestic and international competitions, have begun a series of training programmes aimed at fine-tuning their fitness, decision-making and game management skills.

Leading the contingent is Somali referee Omar Artan, who is expected to play a key role among Africa’s representatives at the mundial.

The preparation programme includes physical fitness assessments, technical workshops, VAR simulations and match scenario analysis designed to ensure that the referees meet FIFA’s high officiating standards ahead of the tournament.

Africa’s selected officials are expected to undergo further evaluation camps before the final list for the World Cup is confirmed.