UAE referees at World Cup 2026 begin local preparations ahead of US deployment
UAE referees at World Cup 2026 start a local training camp organized by the UAE Football Association, with FIFA’s 10-day programme and VAR officials set to assemble in Dallas before the June 11 kickoff.
Emirati trio confirmed for World Cup officiating
The UAE refereeing contingent selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is led by international referee Omar Al Ali, with assistant referee Mohammed Ahmed Yusuf and video assistant referee Mohammed Obaid Khadem forming the core of the team. This announcement follows final confirmations ahead of the delegation’s scheduled departure to the United States at the end of the month. The selection reflects the UAEFA’s commitment to fielding experienced officials on football’s largest stage.
Local training camp to sharpen match readiness
The UAE Football Association will host a local preparatory camp designed to ready the refereeing trio for World Cup assignments. The camp will focus on tactical briefings, scenario-based simulations and team coordination drills to ensure consistent on-field decision-making. Physical conditioning and match simulation sessions will run alongside technical workshops to align the team with FIFA expectations.
FIFA’s 10-day preparation programme for all referees
FIFA has scheduled a comprehensive 10-day programme for match officials participating in the tournament, covering recent amendments to the Laws of the Game and practical refereeing modules. The curriculum will combine classroom lectures, technical video review and on-field exercises, plus fitness testing to confirm operational readiness. Officials are expected to complete formal assessments before being cleared to officiate in World Cup fixtures.
VAR officials to assemble in Dallas ahead of the tournament
Under FIFA’s logistical plan, video assistant referees will gather in Dallas as their central hub for the tournament’s VAR operations. The arrangement places VAR teams in proximity to key venues in the United States and allows standardized pre-tournament calibration of technology and protocols. Emirates VAR official Mohammed Obaid Khadem will join the VAR cohort that will work across venues in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Domestic Pro League duties part of final preparations
Match appointments in the UAE Pro League are playing a practical role in the referees’ final conditioning, offering high-pressure environments to test match management and teamwork. Omar Al Ali recently officiated the high-profile clash between Al Wahda and Al Wasl, a 3-2 result, with Mohammed Ahmed Yusuf serving as first assistant. Those domestic assignments are being used to fine-tune on-field communication and to validate fitness benchmarks before the international departure.
UAE refereeing contingent builds on World Cup history
The UAE’s presence on World Cup refereeing panels in 2026 continues a tradition of international representation that stretches back to the 1990s. Emirati officials have appeared in successive tournaments, and this participation marks an important milestone as the national refereeing programme seeks to maintain and extend its global footprint. Support from the UAE Football Association, the national referees committee and the wider sporting community has been cited as instrumental in preparing officials for competition at the highest level.
The Emirates delegation’s preparation schedule also includes scenario rehearsals for VAR integration, collaborative drills with match commissioners, and final fitness evaluations coordinated with FIFA’s technical staff. With the World Cup set to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026 across the United States, Mexico and Canada, the UAE team’s departure timeline has been aligned to allow for the FIFA training block and venue-specific briefings. The referees and VAR officials leave with the objective of representing the UAE professionally and contributing to the smooth conduct of the expanded 48-team tournament.
