Section
Blogs and writing from referees themselves.
Psychologists call it word association. They say “peanut butter,” you say “jelly.” They say “mother,” you say “father.” They say “Red Cashion,” you say, “first dowwwwwnnn!” Cashion’s officiating career, which included 25 years in the NFL, ended after the 1996 season. His retirement, which he announced before that season began, officially took effect Jan. 4, […]
4 Aug
Third qualifying round of 2026-27 UEFA Champions League, referee assignments (first legs). Following Slavko Vinčić's retirement, Rade Obrenović takes over as Slovenia's top UEFA referee Tuesday 4 August 2026 18:00 CET Sölvesborg (Strandvallen) MJÄLLBY (SWE) vs. SLOVAN BRATISLAVA (SVK) Referee: Nicholas Walsh SCO Assistant Referee 1: Francis Connor SCO Assistant Referee 2: Daniel McFarlane SCO Fourth Official: Donald Robertson SCO Video Assistant Referee: Andrew Dallas SCO Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Duncan Nicolson SCO UEFA Referee Observer: Terje Hauge NOR UEFA Delegate: Patrizia Fries
1 Aug
The referees in charge of 2026-27 UEFA Europa League Third Qualifying Round, first legs. Czech refereeing needs a revival. Can Ondřej Berka do it? Tuesday 4 August 2026 21:00 CET Larne (Inver Park) LARNE (NIR) vs. IBERIA TBILISI (GEO) Referee: Mohammed Al-Emara FIN Assistant Referee 1: Turkka Joonas Valjakka FIN Assistant Referee 2: Mika Lamppu FIN Fourth Official: Peiman Simani FIN Video Assistant Referee: Paweł Malec POL Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Łukasz Szczech POL UEFA Referee Observer: Bernardino González Vázquez ESP UEFA Delegate: Alin Cioban ROU 21:00 CET Dublin (Tallaght Stadiu
1 Aug
The referees in charge of 2026-27 UEFA Europa Conference League Third Qualifying Round, first legs. Atilla Karaoğlan TUR will officiate Ajax - Shelbourne being observerd by Alfredo Trentalange Tuesday 4 August 2026 18:00 CET Riga (Skonto stadions) AUDA (LVA) vs. DINAMO CITY (ALB) Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero ESP Assistant Referee 1: Carlos Álvarez Fernández ESP Assistant Referee 2: Antonio Martínez Moreno ESP Fourth Official: Adrián Cordero Vega ESP Video Assistant Referee: Javier Iglesias Villanueva ESP Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Luis Mario Milla Alvéndiz ESP UEFA Referee Observ
1 Aug
2026-27 UEFA Women's Champions League, Second Qualifying Round. Elena Gobjila MDA will officiate the final in Group 5, Champions Path Champions Path Group 1, Slovenia Semi-Final 5 August 2026, 11:00 CET - Športni park Radenci, Radenci (SVN) FK AUSTRIA WIEN (AUT) - ŽNK HAJDUK (CRO) Referee: Lizzy Van der Elm NED Assistant Referee 1: Martina Boer NED Assistant Referee 2: Oleksandra Vdovina UKR Fourth Official: Sofiya Prychyna UKR UEFA Referee Observer: Esther Staubli SUI UEFA Delegate: Małgorzata Sędzimir-Pszowska POL Semi-Final 5 August 2026, 18:00 CET - Mestni stadion Fazanerija, Murska Sobota
1 Aug
The Laws of the Game Quiz season has started already. This is the 2nd quiz of 2026-2027. It has 5 clips of the World Cup, used for educational purposes. The clips will be available for 4 weeks. Good luck with the quiz. My goal is to publish a quiz every fortnight. You can participate on the embedded form below or directly on Google Forms. Laden… Do the quiz in Google Forms Do the quiz
31 Jul
By Gerry Grunska Recently I witnessed a victory that was essentially accomplished through timing errors by the officials. The process went like this. Time was running out for team A, no timeouts left, ball on team B’s 40 yardline. A 20-yard pass to team B’s 20 yardline, caught near the sideline, gave team A a first down with about five seconds left. The line judge […]
31 Jul
An analysis of the refereeing in the final of the twenty-third FIFA World Cup. The one hundred and fourth and final match of the tournament was not among the easiest to referee - Slavko Vincic faced a very difficult task taking charge of the Hispanic duel between Spain and Argentina, but the Slovenian official had a clear gameplan which served him well. A look through his performance, starting with the two most important calls of the match. Big Decisions +93': Second yellow card to Argentina no24 (reckless play) 95': Disallowed goal to Spain (tripping) The key decision of the final is one that
31 Jul
So Near Yet So VAR is the new podcast by Bobby Madden. The Scottish former FIFA referee will start on Monday 3rd of August, right after the 1st competition round. “No media agendas, no referee bashing—just the actual laws of the game and my view from being in the middle”, is how he announced it on Instagram. I’ve called with Bobby Madden to hear what we can expect as listeners. He wants to give refs, coaches an informed opinion based on the laws. There’s a need for that, he says. “There was already a massive talking point in a cup game and the season hasn’t even started yet” Listen to th
31 Jul
Editor’s note: This article was originally published in the May 1986 issue of Referee. It contains detailed discussion of suicide and reflects the language and understanding of mental health at the time of publication. Dallas Keefover wanted to be a major league umpire perhaps more than anything else in his life. A Family Searches for […]
30 Jul
Mistaken identity led to some discussions during the 2026 World Cup. The new wording in the VAR Protocol caused referee Danny Makkelie to change a yellow card for USA player Ream into a caution for diving for the opponent. And João Pinheiro whistled for a foul by Argentian player Paredes, but after a VAR review the Swiss Embolo was sent off with a 2nd caution. Is this how it should have worked? No, says the law governing body IFAB in their latest circular. FIFA’s interpretation was broader than meant to be. But IFAB also admits the way it was handled was “well received”. They
30 Jul
You’ve been told time and again to have an on-point warm up routine before every game. Makes sense, right? You want to be properly tuned up to get ready for the demands of the game. But, what a lot of officials don’t know is that it’s equally important to give your body a chance to […]
28 Jul
Communication between first and second referees is essential in communicating decisions to players, coaches, assistant officials and spectators. Precisely executed, established signals indicate the referees are competent and in control of the match. Formal signals are exhibited “big” to communicate with all match participants and spectators, whereas discreet, informal signals are usually “little” and are used for communication between the officiating crew. All three rulesmaking bodies — NFHS, NCAA […]
28 Jul
The referee who led European officiating for over a decade leaves the stage at a place definitely worthy of his farewell: the FIFA World Cup Final. And now? Time for a new challenge? After a distinguished career, Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has officially announced his retirement from refereeing through the website of the Football Association of Slovenia. And he did so in the best way: after officiating the FIFA World Cup Final. In recent years, we have seen that such a decision is entirely understandable, although not every referee ultimately chooses this path. In Vinčić's case, however,
27 Jul
S ome years ago, Brian Tracy, one of the world’s leading experts in personal development, said, “Success is goals and all else is commentary.” Imagine the most successful people on earth: executives, professional athletes, actors and even top officials. What do they all have in common? What’s the reason for their outstanding achievements? The answer […]
27 Jul
Second qualifying round of 2026-27 UEFA Champions League, referee assignments (second legs). Antoni Bandic BIH is included in the UEFA 2026 Talents, with De Bleeckere as Mentor Tuesday 28 July 2026 17:00 CET Kuopio (Väre Areena) KuPS Kuopio (FIN) vs. Sabah (AZE) Referee: Gal Leibovitz ISR Assistant Referee 1: Roi Hassan ISR Assistant Referee 2: Yossi Babayoff ISR Fourth Official: Dekel Zino ISR Video Assistant Referee: Daniel Bar Natan ISR Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Eitan Shmuelevitz ISR UEFA Referee Observer: Volodymyr Petrov UKR UEFA Delegate: Kurt Zuppinger SUI 18:00 CET Gibraltar (
25 Jul
The referees in charge of 2026-27 UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round, second legs. Among 2026 UEFA Talents: Florian Badstübner GER Thursday 30 July 2026 18:00 CET Batumi, GEO (Adjarabet Arena) Makkabi Tel-Aviv (ISR) vs. Sheriff Tiraspol (MDA) Referee: Mikkel Hedberg Redder DEN Assistant Referee 1: René Risum DEN Assistant Referee 2: Troels Christensen DEN Fourth Official: Lasse Læbel Graagaard DEN Video Assistant Referee: Jakob Kehlet DEN Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Mads-Kristoffer Kristoffersen DEN UEFA Referee Observer: Alain Hamer LUX UEFA Delegate: Tibor Vámos HUN 19:00 CET
25 Jul
The referees in charge of 2026-27 UEFA Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round, second legs. Marc Nagtegaal NED to referee Panathinaikos - Paks Tuesday 28 July 2026 19:00 CET Riga (Skonto stadions) RIGA (LVA) vs. VARDAR (MKD) Referee: Goga Kikacheishvili GEO Assistant Referee 1: Davit Akhvlediani GEO Assistant Referee 2: Davit Gabisonia GEO Fourth Official: Bakari Bregadze GEO UEFA Referee Observer: Augustus Viorel Constantin ROU UEFA Delegate: Neil Morrow NIR 19:00 CET Limassol (Alphamega Stadium) APÓLLON LIMASSOL (CYP) vs. DILA GORI (GEO) Referee: Klym Zabroda UKR Assistant Referee
25 Jul
A small review of matches in the quarterfinal, semifinal and third place playoff of the twenty-third FIFA World Cup. A match-by-match review of games ninety-seven to one hundred and three. Match 97: France vs. Morocco (Tello) The penalty which Facundo Tello awarded France was correct; Mbappe has not dived. Mazraoui makes a sliding tackle as the attacker is moving towards goal and has not played the ball - Mbappe cannot carry on running normally, his right leg is impeded and he falls to the ground. As I said in the R32 text, there are two kinds of fouls in football: this falls into the latter c
24 Jul
The 44th annual industry event of the year in Grand Rapids, Mich.
23 Jul
The 44th Annual Officiating Industry Event of the Year in Grand Rapids, Mich.
23 Jul
It’s been 10 years since former legendary boxing referee Mills Lane refereed a fight. But even after suffering a stroke in 2002 that left him paralyzed on the right side, Lane has plenty of fight left in him and continues to inspire those close to him. Her voice wavered, punctuated with sobs. The tears started […]
22 Jul
Why Crew Harmony Matters When any game assignment arrives, all sorts of questions usually race through an official’s mind. First, who’s playing? Great teams? A rivalry game? If you’re an official for the right reason, it really doesn’t matter. They’re all good. Second, where is it being played? Is it the brand-spanking-new gym across town? […]
21 Jul
Time of changes for UEFA Elite referees. 2026 World Cup was the last goal for experienced English Elite Anthony Taylor UEFA's Elite referee group is entering a period of renewal. Today, English referee Anthony Taylor officially announced his retirement from international refereeing, bringing an end to a remarkable career at the highest level. At the same time, reports also suggest that Slavko Vinčić of Slovenia could be retiring after the FIFA World Cup. However, unlike Taylor's decision, there has been no official confirmation from Vinčić himself so far. If both departures are confirmed, UEFA
21 Jul
The most frequently utilized crew size for high school varsity contests across the country consists of five people. As stated in the NFHS Football Game Officials Manual, “Game officials must utilize hustle, angles, distance and planned compromises to observe and control the action.” With 22 players moving at high rates of speed, it’s altogether unreasonable […]
20 Jul
It's the final of 2026 FIFA World Cup. UEFA Elite referee Slavko Vinčić inherits the legacy of Szymon Marciniak from four years ago, earning the prestige of officiating the tournament showpiece final. As UEFA referee in a UEFA - CONMEBOL match, he will be the second official in the tournament to break the confederations rule, following João Pinheiro, who also officiated an Argentina match in the quarterfinals. Match #104 Final 19 July 2026, 21:00 CET MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford SPAIN - ARGENTINA Referee: Slavko Vinčić SVN Assistant Referee 1: Tomaž Klančnik SVN Assistant Referee 2: Andraž
19 Jul
Second qualifying round of 2026-27 UEFA Champions League, referee assignments. Manfredas Lukjančukas (LTU) will take charge of a traditionally fiery Turkish side at home Tuesday 21 July 2026 18:00 CET Sölvesborg (Strandvallen) Mjällby (SWE) vs. Lincoln Red Imps (GIB) Referee: Matthew De Gabriele MLT Assistant Referee 1: Mitchell Scerri MLT Assistant Referee 2: David Castillo MLT Fourth Official: Daniel Casha MLT Video Assistant Referee: Gianluca Aureliano ITA Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Daniele Paterna ITA UEFA Referee Observer: Alain Sars FRA UEFA Delegate: P eter Lundström FIN 18:00 C
19 Jul
2026-27 UEFA Women's Champions League, First Qualifying Round. Fəridə Lütfəliyeva AZE, appointed in Group 5 Group 1 Semi-Final 22 July 2026, 10:00 CET - Veria Municipal Stadium, Veria (GRE) NEFTÇI PFK (AZE) - FK BUDUĆNOST (MNE) Referee: Ilona Birgelaitė LTU Assistant Referee 1: Guostė Jonikaitė LTU Assistant Referee 2: Tijana Krstić ISL Fourth Official: Bríet Bragadóttir ISL UEFA Referee Observer: Ingrid Jonsson SWE UEFA Delegate: Sonia Testaguzza SUI Semi-Final 22 July 2026, 17:30 CET - Veria Municipal Stadium, Veria (GRE) PAOK (GRE) - HAPOEL JERUSALEM FC (ISR) Referee: Marta San Juan Casado
19 Jul
The referees in charge of 2026-27 UEFA Europa League Second Qualifying Round, first legs. Luca Pairetto ITA with a Swiss-Portuguese clash, St. Gallen - Benfica Thursday 23 July 2026 18:00 CET Baku (Tofiq Bəhramov adına Respublika Stadionu) Qarabağ (AZE) vs. CSKA Sofia (BUL) Referee: Daniele Chiffi ITA Assistant Referee 1: Giovanni Baccini ITA Assistant Referee 2: Alessandro Lo Cicero ITA Fourth Official: Daniele Perenzoni ITA Video Assistant Referee: Valerio Marini ITA Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Federico La Penna ITA UEFA Referee Observer: Marcin Szulc POL UEFA Delegate: Darko Ramovš S
19 Jul
2026/27 UEFA Europa Conference League, Second Qualifying Round, First legs- Match officials assignments. Juan Martínez Munuera (ESP), a referee with CL experience, will be observed by Alfredo Trentalange Tuesday 21 July 2026 19:00 CET Gothenburg (Gamla Ullevi) IFK Göteborg (SWE) vs. Levadia Tallinn (EST) Referee: Dmytro Panchyshyn UKR Assistant Referee 1: Dmytro Zaporozhenko UKR Assistant Referee 2: Volodymyr Vysotsʹkyy UKR Fourth Official: Andriy Kovalenko UKR UEFA Referee Observer: Aleksandar Stavrev MKD UEFA Delegate: Lamprini Dimitrou GRE 19:30 CET Ta' Qali (Centenary Stadium) Floriana (ML
19 Jul
Once a referee reaches the point where they know the Laws of the Game well and have learned effective mechanics, what comes next to improve their game and advance their career? There is more to refereeing soccer at a higher level than just running around calling fouls and the ball out of bounds. Effective game […]
19 Jul
As a reward for an impressive World Cup campaign, Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela has been appointed to officiate the third-place Game an all-European clash between France and England. Match #103 Third Place Game 18 July 2026, 23:00 CET Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens FRANCE - ENGLAND Referee: Jesús ValenzuelaVEN Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Urrego VEN Assistant Referee 2: Tulio Moreno VEN Fourth Official: Jalal Jayed MAR Reserve AR: Zakaria Brinsi MAR Video Assistant Referee: Leodan Gonzalez URU Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Armando Villarreal USA Assistant Video Assistant Referee
18 Jul
The experienced Slovenian UEFA Elite referee has been rewarded with WC final. With Vinčić, Jordanian referee Adham Makhadmeh will work as fourth official. The Third place game will be officiated by Jesus Valenzuela. Match #103 Third Place Game 18 July 2026, 23:00 CET Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens FRANCE - ENGLAND Referee: Jesus Valenzuela VEN Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Urrego VEN Assistant Referee 2: Tulio Moreno VEN Fourth Official: Jalal Jayed MAR Reserve AR: Zakaria Brinsi MAR Video Assistant Referee: Leodan Gonzalez URU Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Armando Villarreal USA Assist
17 Jul
A small review of matches in the second knockout round at the twenty-third FIFA World Cup. A match-by-match review of games eighty-nine to ninety-six. Match 89: Canada vs. Morocco (Oliver) This match happened in three stages: 1) Michael Oliver began by refereeing what was a passionate tie a bit too passively. He didn't identify, or at least show that he had identified, the two problem players on the Canada team - number 17 (2:35 deliberate impeding foul; 9:35 deliberate/provocative pushing foul; 10:15 lunging foul tackle) and number 22 (6:40 crafty off-the-ball push not seen; 14:10 off-the-bal
16 Jul
The Laws of the Game Quiz season has started already. This is the 1st quiz of 2026-2027. It has 5 clips of the World Cup, used for educational purposes. The clips will be available for 4 weeks. Good luck with the quiz. You can participate on the embedded form below or directly on Google Forms. Laden… Do the quiz in Google Forms Do the quiz
16 Jul
After the final whistle of the second semifinal, it's time to make predictions. Who will officiate the big game between Spain and Argentina? Here the list of the referees who are still at the tournament. AFC Alireza Faghani Adham Makhadmeh CAF Jalal Jayed CONCACAF Ivan Barton Ismail Elfath CONMEBOL Jesús Valenzuela Wilton Sampaio UEFA Espen Eskås Szymon Marciniak Maurizio Mariani Glenn Nyberg João Pinheiro Slavko Vinčić
15 Jul
American referee of Moroccan descent Ismail Elfath has been appointed to officiate the historic FIFA World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina, to be played on home soil in the United States. It is one of the most iconic matches the World Cup can offer. Match #102 Semifinals 15 July 2026, 21:00 CET Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta ENGLAND - ARGENTINA Referee: Ismail Elfath USA Assistant Referee 1: Corey Parker USA Assistant Referee 2: Kyle Atkins USA Fourth Official: Maurizio Mariani ITA Reserve AR: Daniele Bindoni ITA Video Assistant Referee: Marco Di Bello ITA Assistant Video Assistant
15 Jul
Not every raised voice is an attack. Learning to sort the noise into categories, and matching the right response to each one, is one of the fastest ways to get better at game management.Every official knows the sound. You make a call, or you don’t, and a voice erupts from the bench, the dugout or […]
15 Jul
It takes extraordinary strength to take charge of a Super Bowl – strength of will, of desire and of conviction. Ed Hochuli has done it twice. But the NFL referee, renowned for his skill and recognized for his muscles, has found certain weights in his life too heavy to lift. The little brother, grass-stained, sweat-soaked […]
14 Jul
At 35 years of age, El Salvador's Iván Barton has been entrusted with one of the biggest appointments in world football: FIFA World Cup semifinal between France and Spain. Match #101 Semifinals 14 July 2026, 21:00 CET AT&T Stadium, Arlington FRANCE - SPAIN Referee: Iván Barton SLV Assistant Referee 1: David Moran SLV Assistant Referee 2: Antonio Pupiro NCA Fourth Official: Glenn Nyberg SWE Reserve AR: Mahbod Beigi SWE Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :Dennis Johan Higler NED Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :Guillermo Pacheco MEX Standby Vi
14 Jul
Appointments of match officials at 2026 FIFA World Cup, Semifinals. Match #101 Semifinals 14 July 2026, 21:00 CET AT&T Stadium, Arlington FRANCE - SPAIN Referee: Ivan Barton SLV Assistant Referee 1: David Moran SLV Assistant Referee 2: Antonio Pupiro NCA Fourth Official: Glenn Nyberg SWE Reserve AR: Mahbod Beigi SWE Video Assistant Referee: Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Standby Video Assistant Referee: : Standby Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Match #102 Semifinals 15 July 2026, 21:00 CET Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta ENGLAND - ARGENTINA Refere
12 Jul
A small review of matches in the first knockout round at the twenty-third FIFA World Cup. A match-by-match review of games seventy-three to eighty-eight. Match 73: South Africa vs. Canada (Pinheiro) I think Joao Pinheiro was correct to determine no offence had been committed in the game's key scene: Given that the ball is in within playing distance to Rsa no20, and Can no22 starts his action (an attempt to centre the ball) only after his opponent, no foul is the correct reading of this incident in my opinion. This incident can be contrasted with the penalty that Carlos Vera expertly awarded in
12 Jul
2026/27 UEFA Conference League, second legs of First Qualifying Round. Peiman Simani FIN to referee RFS - Glentoran Tuesday 14 July 2026 21:00 CET Serravalle (San Marino Stadium) LA FIORITA (SMR) vs. UNA STRASSEN (LUX) Referee: Seth Sheehan Galia GIB Assistant Referee 1: Michael Gerard Macias GIB Assistant Referee 2: Fausti Guerrero GIB Fourth Official: Timothy Reoch GIB UEFA Referee Observer: Ruud Bossen NED UEFA Delegate: Yelyzaveta Stepaniuk UKR Wednesday 15 July 2026 16:30 CET Podujevë (Stadiumi "Zahir Pajaziti") MALISHEVA (KOS) vs. VLLAZNIA (ALB) Referee: Thomas Gary Owen WAL Assistant Re
12 Jul
The second legs of 2026/27 UEFA Europa League First Qualifing Round. Horațiu Mircea Feșnic ROU will officiate Žilina - Hajduk Split Thursday 16 July 2026 19:30 CET Cluj-Napoca (Cluj Arena) UNIVERSITATEA CLUJ (ROU) vs. DYNAMO KYIV (UKR) Referee: Iwan Arwel Griffith WAL Assistant Referee 1: Johnathon Bryant WAL Assistant Referee 2: Harry Hendricks WAL Fourth Official: John Andrew Jones WAL Video Assistant Referee: Jeroen Manschot NED Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Erwin Blank NED UEFA Referee Observer: Paolo Valeri ITA UEFA Delegate: Georges Lüchinger LIE 19:30 CET Londonderry (Ryan McBride
12 Jul
Referee assignments for 2026/27 UEFA Champions League First Qualifying Round, second legs. Coming from UEFA Euro Under 19 in Wales, Joakim Sars meets Howard Webb as observer Tuesday 14 July 2026 17:00 CET Kuopio (Kuopion Keskuskenttä) KUPS KUOPIO (FIN) vs. VARDAR (MKD) Referee: Matthew MacDermid SCO Assistant Referee 1: Christopher Rae SCO Assistant Referee 2: Douglas Potter SCO Fourth Official: Grant Irvine SCO Video Assistant Referee: Kevin Clancy SCO Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Greg Aitken SCO UEFA Referee Observer: Chrístos Nikolaḯdis CYP UEFA Delegate: Robert Agnarsson ISL 18:00 CE
12 Jul
João Pinheiro gets a third game in the competition and he is the first referee to break the confederations unwritten rule, having been assigned to a CONMEBOL - UEFA clash. Match #100 Quarterfinals 12 July 2026, 03:00 CET Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City ARGENTINA - SWITZERLAND Referee: João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro POR Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Miguel Alves de Jesus POR Assistant Referee 2: Luciano António Gomes Maia POR Fourth Official: Drew Fischer CAN Reserve AR: Michael Barwegen CAN Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Pacheco MEX Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Juan Lara CHI Assistant V
12 Jul
Clément Turpin in charge of Norway - England, FIFA 2026 World Cup Quarterfinal. Match #99 Quarterfinals 11 July 2026, 23:00 CET Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens NORWAY - ENGLAND Referee: Clément Turpin FRA Assistant Referee 1: Nicolas Danos FRA Assistant Referee 2: Benjamin Pagès FRA Fourth Official: Alejandro José Hernández Hernández ESP Reserve AR: José Enrique Naranjo Pérez ESP Video Assistant Referee: Jerome Brisard FRA Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Armando Villarreal USA Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Carlos Del Cerro Grande ESP Standby Video Assistant Referee: Mohammed Oba
11 Jul
Michael Oliver will oversee another full European clash, as he is in charge of 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal Spain - Belgium. Match #98 Quarterfinals 10 July 2026, 21:00 CET SoFi Stadium, Inglewood SPAIN - BELGIUM Referee: Michael Oliver ENG Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt ENG Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring ENG Fourth Official: Ramon Abatti BRA Reserve AR: Rafael Alves BRA Video Assistant Referee: Jarred Gillett ENG Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Ivan Bebek CRO Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Joe Dickerson USA Standby Video Assistant Referee: Mahmoud Ashour EGY Standby
10 Jul
As a young or newer referee works to master the art of officiating, she or he soon finds out that, while the rules are black and white, the game consists of a whole lot of grey. When an attacker hits the ball into the top of the net and there are opposing blockers present, does […]
10 Jul
Facundo Tello will officiate France - Morocco, the first quarterfinal of 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the first time at this tournament, the five officials on the pitch will be from the same nation. Match #97 Quarterfinals 9 July 2026, 22:00 CET Gillette Stadium, Foxborough FRANCE - MOROCCO Referee: Facundo Tello ARG Assistant Referee 1: Juan Pablo Belatti ARG Assistant Referee 2: Gabriel Chade ARG Fourth Official: Dario Herrera ARG Reserve AR: Cristian Navarro ARG Video Assistant Referee: Hernan Mastrangelo ARG Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Lerodan Gonzalez URU Assistant Video Assistant R
9 Jul
Interview with Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer. The Round of 16 ties have now concluded, and we are 96 matches into the FIFA World Cup™. What is your overall assessment? Let’s start by saying that we have now played 50% more matches than at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, and there are still eight more huge games to be played. Overall, we are happy. However, with such a high number of matches played in a relatively short period of time, it is normal that some things do not go as expected. When that happens, they are ready to work even harder to ensure they are fully prepared f
9 Jul
Alan Porter will serve as the Crew Chief and work behind the plate at Baseball’s 96th All-Star Game presented by Mastercard.
9 Jul
Pitchers will now join catchers as the only players in high school softball permitted to receive one-way electronic communication.
9 Jul
Two revisions in field events rules focused on reducing risk of injury highlight changes in high school track and field.
9 Jul
Cohesion and unity are essential if a military unit is to function at peak efficacy. Those qualities carry over onto the football field. Scott Jacobson has worked high school football for more than three decades. A resident of Rapid City, S.D., he’s also had a long military career and is a retired colonel in the […]
8 Jul
In a 40-year officiating stretch, Jon Bible hit some mighty high peaks — seven College World Series assignments as a baseball umpire and three Big 12 championship game assignments as a football referee. He also skimmed some deep valleys — his firing from the NFL in 1996, being called a scab and losing friendships for […]
8 Jul
Ivan Barton, the referee from El Salvador, will officiate his third game at WC, Switzerland - Colombia in the Round of 16. Match #96 Round of 16 7 July 2026, 22:00 CET BC Place, Vancouver SWITZERLAND - COLOMBIA Referee: Ivan Barton SLV Assistant Referee 1: David Moran SLV Assistant Referee 2: Antonio Pupiro NCA Fourth Official: Katia Garcia MEX Reserve AR: Sandra Ramirez MEX Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Pacheco MEX Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Armando Villarreal USA Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Ivan Bebek CRO
7 Jul
Appointments of match officials at 2026 FIFA World Cup, Quarterfinals. Match #97 Quarterfinals 9 July 2026, 22:00 CET Gillette Stadium, Foxborough FRANCE - MOROCCO Referee: Facundo Tello ARG Assistant Referee 1: Juan Pablo Belatti ARG Assistant Referee 2: Gabriel Chade ARG Fourth Official: Dario Herrera ARG Reserve AR: Cristian Navarro ARG Video Assistant Referee: Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Match #98 Quarterfinals 10 July 2026, 21:00 CET SoFi Stadium, Inglewood SPAIN - BELGIUM Referee: Assistant Referee 1: Assistant Referee 2: Fourth Official: R
7 Jul
A third game in the competition for French referee François Letexier, he is in charge of Argentina - Egypt in the Round of 16. Match #95 Round of 16 7 July 2026, 18:00 CET Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta ARGENTINA - EGYPT Referee: François Letexier FRA Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA Fourth Official: Espen Eskas NOR Reserve AR: Isaak Bashevkin NOR Video Assistant Referee: Jerome Brisard FRA Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Willy Delajod FRA Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Bram Van Driessche BEL
7 Jul
The first referee to get a fourth assignment at 2026 WC is Jordanian Adham Makhadmeh. He has been called upon to handle a challenging task: USA - Belgium in the Round of 16. Good luck! Match #94 Round of 16 7 July 2026, 02:00 CET Lumen Field, Seattle USA - BELGIUM Referee: Adham Mohammad Tumah Makhadmeh JOR Assistant Referee 1: Mohanmmad Alkalaf JOR Assistant Referee 2: Ahmad Alroalle JOR Fourth Official: Pierre Atcho GAB Reserve AR: Boris Ditsoga GAB Video Assistant Referee: Khamis Al Marri QAT Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Nicolas Gallo COL Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Herna
6 Jul