FIFA Defends 2026 World Cup Referee Selection as Ghana's Daniel Laryea Misses Out; Infantino Boosts Ties in Algeria

FIFA has officially defended its selection of match officials for the 2026 World Cup following the release of a comprehensive list that includes 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials. Pierluigi Collina, chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, asserted that the selected officials represent the global elite of the profession. Representing six confederations and 50 member associations, these officials have undergone rigorous monitoring and training to ensure they are prepared for the tournament, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Despite the rigorous selection process, the list has sparked disappointment in Ghana due to the omission of FIFA-accredited referee Daniel Laryea. A prominent figure in African officiating, Laryea was notably absent alongside other established names like Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala. While Africa secured seven representatives on the roster, the absence of a Ghanaian official is seen as a setback for the nation's refereeing reputation. Laryea's recent performances, including his role in the 2025 AFCON semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco, had drawn mixed reviews, which some observers suggest may have influenced the final selection. In contrast, the Premier League saw strong representation with the inclusion of officials such as Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor, while Brazil fielded nine officials.

While officiating lists remain a point of discussion, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been actively strengthening diplomatic and developmental ties within Africa. On April 9, 2026, Infantino met with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in Algiers to discuss the future of football in the region. Accompanied by FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, and Algeria’s Minister of Sports Walid Sadi, the discussions focused on infrastructure development, grassroots football initiatives, and youth training programs. The meeting aimed to position Algeria as a central football hub on the continent, with Infantino presenting President Tebboune with a replica FIFA World Cup trophy and an official jersey as symbols of cooperation.

These developments come as preparations for the expanded 48-nation 2026 World Cup enter a critical phase. For Ghana, the tournament remains a point of high interest as the national team is slated for Group L alongside England, Croatia, and Panama. However, the lack of a Ghanaian refereeing presence highlights ongoing concerns regarding the representation and consistency of African officials on the world stage. As FIFA continues to engage with member associations through high-level diplomatic visits and technical training, the focus remains on ensuring both the infrastructure and the personnel on the pitch meet the highest global standards for the historic North American tournament.