Emirati referees earn recognition

Sheikh Hamdan congratulated the UAE refereeing team, comprising international referee Omar Al Ali, international assistant referee Mohammed Ahmed Yousef, and video assistant referee (VAR) Mohammed Obaid Khadem, on the successful completion of their World Cup assignments. He noted that Emirati referees continue to make a distinguished impact in major international competitions, both on the field and in the VAR room, reflecting the strong domestic environment that supports their professional development and enables them to perform at the highest level.

Inspiring the next generation

Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE's refereeing representatives had lived up to expectations and proudly represented the country throughout the tournament. He encouraged the next generation of Emirati referees to benefit from the international experience and professionalism demonstrated by this accomplished team. He also praised the contribution of former FIFA World Cup referee Mohammed Abdullah Hassan, who participated as a refereeing instructor during the 2026 World Cup.

UAE referees complete successful World Cup campaign

The UAE international refereeing delegation returned home after completing its assignments at the tournament, which was hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Hamad Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Member of the UAE Football Association Board of Directors, said the team's participation reflects the high standing Emirati referees have achieved at both the continental and international levels. He added that their performances throughout the competition further strengthen the UAE's refereeing record.

Multiple appointments throughout the tournament

The Emirati refereeing team featured prominently during the World Cup. Omar Al Ali, assisted by Mohammed Ahmed Yousef, with Mohammed Obaid Khadem serving as VAR, officiated the Group G match between New Zealand and Egypt.

Omar Al Ali and Mohammed Ahmed Yousef were later appointed as fourth official and first assistant referee, respectively, for the Group D match between the United States and Turkey, as well as the Round of 32 fixture between Canada and South Africa.

Mohammed Obaid Khadem also served as VAR in the matches between Haiti and Scotland (Group C), Argentina and Algeria (Group J), and the Czech Republic and South Africa (Group A). He additionally worked as Assistant VAR in the matches between Congo and Colombia (Group K), Tunisia and the Netherlands (Group F), and England and Congo in the Round of 32, before concluding his tournament as Reserve VAR for the quarter-final between Norway and England.

Eighth World Cup appearance

The UAE's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the country's eighth appearance in the tournament's refereeing programme, reaffirming the continued international recognition and distinguished status of Emirati referees on football's biggest stage.