UAE referee Mohammed Obeid Khadem reflects on pride after officiating nine matches at 2026 World Cup
UAE referee Mohammed Obeid Khadem reflects on his role as a VAR official at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, officiating nine matches and pledging to share expertise locally.
Mohammed Obeid Khadem said he felt immense pride representing the United Arab Emirates as part of the Emirati refereeing contingent at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he served primarily as a video assistant referee. He described the tournament as the culmination of nearly two decades of work in officiating and praised the professional opportunity to manage elite international fixtures.
He credited family support as a central factor in his career and said the team approached the competition wanting to enjoy the experience while delivering calm, accurate decision-making under intense global scrutiny. His selection alongside referee Omar Al Ali and assistant Mohammed Ahmed Yusuf signalled a growing UAE presence in top-level refereeing.
UAE presence on the global refereeing stage
Mohammed Obeid Khadem’s inclusion in the 2026 World Cup referee pool underlines the UAE’s continuing rise in international officiating circles. The Emirati contingent that travelled to the tournament combined on-field and video technology specialists to manage matches across multiple rounds.
Officials from the UAE were called upon to handle encounters featuring prominent national teams and world-class players, offering a high-profile platform to demonstrate the country’s refereeing standards. Khadem said participation in such fixtures boosts confidence and validates the development programmes that prepared them for elite competition.
Match involvement and tournament workload
During the tournament Khadem was involved in nine matches as a video assistant referee, covering a mix of group-stage and knockout fixtures that required rapid, precise interventions. He also served as a reserve VAR in two additional high-profile games, reflecting tournament organisers’ confidence in his readiness.
The assignments ranged from contests featuring emerging nations to matches with traditional powerhouses, exposing him to varied tactical styles and decision-making circumstances. Khadem noted that the diversity of games helped sharpen his situational judgment and reinforced the importance of clear communication with on-field colleagues.
Memorable fixtures and decisive moments
Khadem singled out the Egypt versus New Zealand match as particularly memorable, where he functioned as an assistant to the VAR team led on-field by Omar Al Ali. He said the cohesion of the Emirati trio and their focus on consistency made the match stand out in his recollection.
Other fixtures where he served as a VAR assistant included Haiti versus Scotland, Argentina versus Algeria, Tunisia versus the Netherlands, South Africa versus the Czech Republic, DR Congo versus Colombia, and England versus DR Congo. Khadem described several instances in those games where careful technological review was essential to upholding the laws of the game.
Team dynamics with Omar Al Ali and Mohammed Ahmed Yusuf
The Emirati refereeing group travelled to the World Cup as a tightly coordinated unit, with Omar Al Ali taking on on-field refereeing duties and Mohammed Ahmed Yusuf serving as an on-field assistant in several matches. Khadem emphasised that mutual trust and clearly defined roles allowed the team to perform confidently under international scrutiny.
He attributed much of the on-field calm to rigorous pre-tournament preparation and an emphasis on professional routines, including communication protocols and scenario rehearsals. That preparation, he said, made it possible to handle high-pressure calls while maintaining focus on player safety and the integrity of match outcomes.
Building foundations and passing on knowledge
With nearly 20 years in refereeing, Khadem argued that a strong foundational education and gradual exposure to higher-level matches are the best routes to long-term success. He said younger referees need structured mentorship, technical training, and opportunities to gain experience across domestic and continental competitions.
Khadem announced his intention to actively share the technical and practical lessons he gained at the World Cup with colleagues back home. He underlined the importance of transferring knowledge about VAR protocols, match management, and mental preparation to raise the overall standard of officiating in the UAE.
Refereeing under the world’s spotlight
Operating in stadiums watched by global broadcasters and followed by millions of viewers brings unique challenges for referees and VAR officials. Khadem reflected on the responsibility carried by officials when adjudicating matches that can hinge on marginal calls and the critical role of video review in supporting accurate outcomes.
He said that despite the heightened responsibility, the Emirati team aimed to approach each game with a professional mindset and an emphasis on calm, consistent application of the laws. That approach, Khadem believes, will encourage further international appointments for UAE officials in future tournaments.
Mohammed Obeid Khadem ended by reiterating his gratitude for family support and for the professional networks that helped him reach this level, and he expressed a clear commitment to helping develop the next generation of Emirati referees through direct mentorship and knowledge-sharing initiatives.