UAE referees head to US for FIFA World Cup 2026 duty
UAE referees depart Dubai on May 30, 2026, to join FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States. Omar Al Ali leads the Emirati team into a 10-day FIFA prep.
Emirati referees depart Dubai for World Cup duty
The Emirati refereeing team left Dubai International Airport on May 30, 2026, en route to the United States to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The delegation is led by international referee Omar Al Ali and includes assistant referees Mohammed Ahmed Yusuf and Mohammed Obaid, with Obaid designated as the video assistant referee.
The team will join other match officials preparing to manage fixtures at the expanded 48‑team tournament that runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026. UAE referees will seek to represent the country with professionalism and accuracy across what FIFA has described as the largest World Cup in history.
Team composition and match roles confirmed
Omar Al Ali will serve as the on-field referee, supported by assistants Mohammed Ahmed Yusuf and Mohammed Obaid in his VAR capacity. Each official has completed a selection process that confirmed their assignments and roles for the tournament’s match operations.
The selection reflects FIFA’s ongoing emphasis on integrating experienced on-field referees with specialist VAR officials. Mohammed Obaid’s appointment as the VAR underlines the trust placed in his technical competency for video review protocols.
Preparation program overseen by UAEFA and FIFA
Officials said the Emirati trio underwent an extensive preparation programme provided by the UAE Football Association in coordination with FIFA. Preparations included technical briefings, fitness training, and intensive medical assessments aimed at meeting FIFA’s operational and fitness benchmarks.
Omar Al Ali described the training period as “excellent,” noting close supervision from both national and international refereeing bodies. The referees credited structured sessions for sharpening decision-making, communication and VAR procedures ahead of match duties.
Ten-day FIFA induction scheduled on arrival
Upon arrival in the United States, the UAE refereeing team will enter a FIFA-organised 10‑day preparatory camp for match officials selected for the World Cup. The induction will focus on tournament-specific protocols, match simulation, VAR synchronization and final fitness verification.
This concentrated programme is standard for World Cup officials and is designed to align referees from different confederations on consistent application of the Laws of the Game. Officials will be evaluated through drills and assessments before being cleared for match assignments.
UAEFA leaders and committees praised for support
The referees publicly thanked the leadership of the UAE Football Association, including President Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, First Vice President Abdullah Nasser Al Janibi and Secretary General Mohammed Hazam Al Dhaheri. Appreciation was also extended to the referees, medical and media committees and all UAEFA staff who contributed to the preparatory work.
Officials said institutional backing from the association and cooperation with employers were crucial in providing the resources and time needed for international preparation. The delegation noted that such support helps sustain the UAE’s refereeing standards on the global stage.
Eighth World Cup appearance marks continuity for UAE refereeing
The presence of Emirati match officials in 2026 marks the eighth time referees from the UAE have been selected to officiate at a FIFA World Cup. This record reflects a sustained pathway for officials from the Emirates to reach football’s top competition through development and performance.
UAE referees have steadily built experience across continental competitions and FIFA events, contributing to refereeing development at home. The upcoming World Cup opportunity is viewed by officials as both recognition and responsibility to uphold the principles of fair play.
The UAE refereeing team’s departure adds to national representation at the tournament and follows a period of targeted investment in officiating standards. Officials arrive in the United States ready to undertake their roles in accordance with FIFA protocols and the high expectations of both national supporters and the global football community.
