FIFA has presented the referee lineup for the 2026 World Cup, with the squad consisting of 52 main referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video referees from 50 member countries. According to major media reports, this is the largest referee squad ever for a World Cup, attributed to the tournament's expansion from 32 to 48 countries and a total of 104 matches. The expanded referee squad reflects the increased scale of the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 48 countries competing across 104 matches. The tournament's hosting across three nations—the USA, Mexico, and Canada—necessitates a larger officiating team to manage the logistical demands. The 2026 World Cup will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, with major media indicating it begins on June 11, though the exact date of FIFA's announcement of the referee lineup has not been confirmed.
Glenn Nyberg has been selected to referee at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with major media reporting he will make his World Cup debut. He is one of Sweden's most accomplished referees, bringing extensive experience to the tournament. It is not yet known which matches Nyberg will officiate at the World Cup.
Glenn Nyberg will be accompanied by two Swedish assistant referees, Mahbod Beigi and Andreas Söderkvist, who will support him during the tournament. The specific matches Beigi and Söderkvist will officiate have not been announced, and it remains unclear whether any other Swedish referees beyond this trio are involved in the World Cup in other capacities.
The roles or assignments of the 30 video referees mentioned in the squad have not been detailed, adding to the unknowns as preparations continue. The large referee squad is a response to the tournament's growth, with the 2026 edition set to be the biggest in history in terms of participating teams and match count. FIFA's selection process for referees involved rigorous assessments to ensure high standards across all officiating roles. The inclusion of referees from 50 countries highlights the global representation in the tournament's management, aligning with FIFA's efforts to promote diversity and fairness in football officiating.