Muscat: Ahmed Al-Kaf, a stalwart in the realm of football officiating, has earned his place among the elite referees for the prestigious 2026 World Cup finals. Hailing from Oman, Al-Kaf has been a FIFA international referee since 2010, showcasing his expertise and insight in various high-profile matches.

The selection process for FIFA World Cup referees is a rigorous and meticulous endeavour, spanning several years leading up to the tournament. FIFA meticulously evaluates referees from across the globe, initially nominating up to 50 refereeing trios for consideration. These candidates undergo thorough scrutiny, with FIFA’s chief referee and a distinguished committee meticulously analyzing factors such as experience, fitness, technical proficiency, and collaborative abilities with assistant referees and video assistant referees (VARs).

Ahmed Al-Kaf’s inclusion on the preliminary list underscores his remarkable contributions to the sport and his adeptness in handling the complexities of top-level football matches.