Expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup “a great success,” says Arsène Wenger

The first ever 48-team FIFA World Cup™ delivered tight contests and great storylines, while fears of a dilution of quality proved unfounded, according to Arsène Wenger, FIFA Chief of Global Football Development.

FIFA Technical Study Group members pose for a photo

Slovenian Slavko Vinčić to take charge of FIFA World Cup 2026™ final

Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić will take charge of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ final between Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday 19 July, describing the opportunity as an “incredible honour”. 

Slavko Vincic and Jesus Valenzuela 

"We are not influenced by anyone," says FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina

"Constructive discussion about decisions will always be part of football, but unfounded allegations have no place in our sport." 

Argentina v Algeria: Group J - FIFA World Cup 2026

1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™: a ball of memories for Humberto Sierra

 The 1986 FIFA World Cup Mexico™ was hugely important for the North American country, which made history by becoming the first nation to host the tournament twice, having previously done so in 1970.

Humberto Sierra, former referee in Monterrey (Mexico)

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina reflects on refereeing at FIFA World Cup 2026™ so far 

Before the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, it was decided to implement some new rules, in particular concerning time wasting to reduce time lost during matches and increase the amount of time the ball is in play.

Referee Francois Letexier gestures

New innovations developed with Technology Partner Lenovo shine at the FIFA World Cup 2026™

A historical group stage has successfully been completed at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.  In addition to seeing new teams in a fresh, expanded 48-team format, a number of technological innovations have added significantly to the beautiful game.

Lenovo Referee Headset Camera

Technical Study Group hails competitive 48-team FIFA World Cup™ as goals and intensity rise

The group stage of the first FIFA World Cup 2026™ to feature 48 teams has featured often unheralded teams from across the globe making a significant mark with even the strongest sides finding no shortage of stern tests, according to TSG.

Jon Dahl Tomasson, Otto Addo, Gilberto Silva, Pablo Zabaleta and Pascal Zuberbühler

Match officials appointed for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026™ and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026™

Following a meticulous and comprehensive selection process, FIFA has announced the list of match officials who will oversee matches at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup™ and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™ in 2026.

FIFA Team One armband 

Monterrey and Dallas: Refereeing history made in 1,000th FIFA World Cup match

The 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup™ history marked a milestone for the tournament itself, and also for the officials entrusted with overseeing the occasion. 

Switzerland’s Fedayi San (VAR), the United States’ Joe Dickerson (AVAR), and Germany’s Bastian Dankert (Support VAR)

A Day in the Life of ‘Team One’ at FIFA World Cup 2026™

FIFA's elite group of referees, assistants and video match officials – known as Team One – are supported by the same level of high-performance infrastructure as the world's top players.

Referees Training Session - FIFA World Cup 2026?

Arsène Wenger praises precision and innovation at International Broadcast Centre in Dallas

FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger visited the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Dallas, Texas, gaining an in-depth look at the technological and operational backbone supporting the FIFA World Cup 2026™. 

FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger at the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in Dallas

István Kovács handed honour of refereeing landmark Match 1,000

FIFA has appointed Romanian referee István Kovács to take charge of the 1,000th match in the history of the FIFA World Cup™ – the Group F encounter between Tunisia and Japan at Monterrey Stadium on 20 June. 

Ferencz Tunyogi, Istvan Kovacs, and Mihai Marica

Technical Study Group experts ready to unlock the secrets of FIFA World Cup 2026™

The wait is almost over. On 11 June 2026, the FIFA World Cup 2026™ kicks off at the iconic Mexico City Stadium, the first of 104 matches, with 48 nations competing across 16 venues in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

FIFA Technical Study Group in Miami

FIFA President welcomes Team One at training camp in Miami

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has personally greeted the 170 referees, assistant referees and video match officials who will be overseeing the FIFA World Cup 2026™ across Mexico, Canada and the United States.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses for a photo with the referees, assistant referees and video match officials who will be overseeing the FIFA World Cup 2026™ 

FIFA Power Rankings, powered by Aramco, to launch at FIFA World Cup 2026™

With the FIFA World Cup 2026™ set to get under way next week, FIFA has announced the launch of the FIFA Power Rankings, powered by Aramco – a pioneering system featuring a new data-led way to measure and showcase individual player performance.

FIFA Power Ranking powered by Aramco

Faster offside decisions, more stable referee body cams and more analysis opportunities for teams: how innovation is elevating the FIFA World Cup 2026™ experience

The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will introduce significant technological innovations, allowing faster offside decisions and improved images from referee body cameras. 

Advanced SAOT certification

FIFA unveils Technical Study Group for FIFA World Cup 2026™

FIFA has unveiled the Technical Study Group (TSG) for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, which will provide cutting-edge analysis of all matches at the competition while increasing and developing the understanding of the game across the world.

Technical Study Group for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Bureau of the Council update on the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™

Following consultation with the confederations, the Bureau of the Council has unanimously decided to amend article 10 paragraph 2 of the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

Yellow card and red card

FIFA Member Associations in focus (April 2026)

FIFA provides financial and logistical support to its 211 Member Associations (MAs) through various programmes. Inside FIFA takes a look at the extraordinary work done during February 2026 to promote, strengthen and make football truly global. 

FIFA Arena Canada 

The IFAB unanimously approves red card for players covering their mouths to conceal discriminatory behaviour

At a Special Meeting held in Vancouver, Canada, The IFAB unanimously approved two FIFA-proposed Law amendments to address discriminatory and inappropriate behaviour.

Group photo during the Special Meeting of The IFAB in Vancouver, Canada

FIFA Innovation Member Association Educational Workshop in Rabat

The FIFA Innovation team hosted an educational workshop for Member Associations at the FIFA African Office in Rabat, Morocco. 

Innovation Workshop in Rabat

Match officials appointed for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Following a meticulous and comprehensive selection process spanning over three years, FIFA has released the list of match officials who will oversee games at the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

FIFA Team One

Elite European referees gather for final seminar ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

The final seminar to prepare match officials for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ has been held in Italy where 16 elite referees from 15 different European FIFA Member Associations (MAs) were put through their paces.

FWC26 Referee Seminar - Italy

Canadian Premier League to conduct “daylight offside” trial in cooperation with FIFA

In cooperation with FIFA, the Canadian Premier League (CPL) will test an alternative offside Law at professional level when its 2026 season gets under way on 4 April.

South Africa v Italy: Group G - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ referee training and selection process continues with Rio de Janeiro seminar

As a competitive qualifying campaign starts to heat up across the globe, the selection process and training for the 33rd team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027™ has already begun. 

FIFA Referee's Seminar - Rio de Janeiro

The fourth edition of the FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma kicks off in Paris

The 20-month training course began with a six-day workshop in Paris, France. The agenda is packed with theory sessions, hands-on exercises and an outing to Clairefontaine. 

Launch of FIFA Technical Leadership Diploma - Clairefontaine

'Representation matters' for female referees says Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb on International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day provides a vital opportunity to celebrate the women shaping football at every level; female referees are increasingly breaking barriers, demonstrating on the field that excellence and competence define authority rather than gender

The Game Changers with Bibiana Steinhaus-Webb

FIFA Member Associations in focus (February 2026)

Costa Rica Training Session - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

FIFA Pitch Research Project field day held at University of Tennessee

FIFA World Cup 2026™ experts, turf scientists and groundskeepers attend two-day workshops in Knoxville, Tennessee

FIFA Future Host Visit SB

FIFA World Cup 2026 preparation continues for AFC, CAF and OFC elite referees

Referees from Asia, Africa and Oceania took their next steps towards officiating in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ when they participated in the second of a series of intensive refereeing seminars organised by world football’s governing body.

FIFA Referee Seminar - Doha

FIFA President welcomes IFAB consultation to improve player behaviour ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has welcomed The International Football Association Board’s (The IFAB) decision to examine how to improve player behaviour and increase respect of match officials ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the 140th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of The International Football Association Board (The IFAB) 

The IFAB introduces further measures to improve match flow and player behaviour

At its 140th Annual General Meeting (AGM), The International Football Association Board (The IFAB) approved a package of measures designed to enhance match tempo and reduce time-wasting across the game. 

IFAB meeting 2026

FIFA Quality Programme announces PlayerData as a FIFA Preferred Provider for Player Tracking

FIFA is happy to announce PlayerData as a FIFA Preferred Provider for Player Tracking within the framework of the FIFA Quality Programme for Electronic Performance and Tracking Systems (EPTS). 

EPTS

FIFA Member Associations in focus (January 2026)

FIFA provides financial and logistical support to its 211 Member Associations (MAs) through various programmes. Inside FIFA takes a look at the extraordinary work done during October 2025 to promote, strengthen and make football truly global. 

Auckland FC v South Island United, OFC Pro League

Match officials appointed for FIFA Women’s Champions 2026™ final matches 

Match officials have been confirmed for the play-off for third place and the final of the FIFA Women’s Champions 2026™ which take place in the Arsenal Stadium in London on Sunday 1 February.

Colombia v Norway: Group F - FIFA U-20 World Cup Chile 2025

Match officials appointed for semi-finals of inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™

With the final stage of the maiden FIFA Women’s Champions Cup™ almost upon us, the FIFA Referees Committee has appointed 12 match officials to oversee the semi-finals.

France v Jamaica: Group F - FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023

Elite Concacaf and CONMEBOL referees undergo meticulous preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026™

As FIFA looks to ensure its match officials reach peak performance for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ in Canada, Mexico and the United States this summer, the first in a series of intensive refereeing seminars was held in Rio de Janeiro. 

Concacaf and CONMEBOL referees undergo meticulous preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026™

Seminar For Prospective FWC 2026 Referees from CONMEBOL and CONCACAF

Elite Concacaf and CONMEBOL referees prepare for FIFA World Cup 2026™

IFAB Annual Business Meeting supports further measures to improve match flow and reduce disruptions

At its Annual Business Meeting (ABM), held in London and chaired by Noel Mooney, Chief Executive of the Football Association of Wales, The IFAB focused on various measures aimed at continuing to improve match flow and reduce tempo disruption.

FIFA and Lenovo unveil multiple AI-powered innovations ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

FIFA and Lenovo have unveiled a series of technological innovations driven by AI that are set to enhance officiating technologies, match analysis capabilities and performance, and drive fan engagement ahead of theFIFA World Cup 2026™.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Lenovo Chairman and CEO Yuanqing Yang at Lenovo Tech World 2026

FIFA uses FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™ to further test, refine and enhance football technology

"Out of Bounds” technology offline test being implemented throughout tournament

FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 match ball

Female referees on Cloud Nine after FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup™ final

The historic FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup Philippines 2025™ came to an end on Sunday with an enthralling final, which saw Brazil etch their name into the history books as the tournament’s first-ever champions after defeating Portugal 3-0

 Ana Azevedo of Portugal and Taty Debiasi Croceta of Brazil pose for a photo alongside referee and assistant referee prior to the FIFA Futsal Women's World Cup - Final match between Portugal and Brazil at PhilSports Arena in Manila, Philippines

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