FIFA has released the official list of referees for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico — and unfortunately, no Ghanaian official has been selected.
The news is a significant disappointment for Daniel Laryea, Ghana’s most prominent referee, who had been widely considered a strong candidate for the tournament.
Laryea’s profile had risen notably after his impressive officiating at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he was entrusted with the high-stakes semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria. His calm demeanour, fair decision-making, and handling of big matches had earned him praise across the African football community and raised hopes that he would make FIFA’s final shortlist for the 2026 World Cup.
Despite these credentials, Laryea’s name was absent when FIFA announced the selected referees.
FIFA’s Referee List Highlights
The final list features a mix of experienced international officials, including:
Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
Michael Oliver (England)
Anthony Taylor (England)
African representatives such as Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria) and Abongile Tom (South Africa)
The selection reflects FIFA’s emphasis on top-tier experience and consistency at the highest level.
Reaction in Ghana
The absence of any Ghanaian on the list has been met with disappointment by fans, football administrators, and the refereeing fraternity in Ghana. Many had hoped that Laryea’s recent performances would earn him a spot, marking a proud moment for Ghanaian officiating on the global stage.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has not yet issued an official statement on the matter, but the news is expected to spark discussions about the development and support needed for Ghanaian referees to reach the very highest level.
Daniel Laryea remains one of Africa’s most respected match officials, and his continued growth could still position him for future major tournaments.
