World Cup 2026: Shocker! African Best Referee Dropped As CAF Unveils Final List Of Officials

World Cup 2026: Shocker! African Best Referee Dropped As CAF Unveils Final List Of Officials

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the list of African referees and video match officials selected to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with several experienced names making the cut, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

However, the announcement has generated surprise across the continent following the omission of highly rated Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who many observers consider one of Africa’s best officials in recent years.

Among the referees selected is Mauritanian official Dahane Beida, who continues his steady rise in international officiating. 

Beida has consistently impressed on African competitions and his inclusion is seen as recognition of his growing reputation.

The list of referees also includes Algerian referee Mustapha Ghorbal, DR Congo’s Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo, Egypt’s Amin Omar, and Gabonese official Pierre Ghislain Atcho.

CAF also confirmed the Video Assistant Referees (VAR) who will represent Africa at the global showpiece. 

They include Algeria’s Lahlou Benbraham, Egypt’s Mahmoud Ashour and Eswatini’s Letticia Viana.

The selected officials were chosen based on their consistency, experience and strong performances across CAF competitions and international matches. 

They will represent Africa at the biggest tournament in world football when the 2026 World Cup kicks off in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Despite the recognition for the selected officials, the absence of Artan from the final list remains one of the biggest talking points following CAF’s announcement, given his reputation and recent performances on the continent.