UAE Referee to Officiate New Zealand vs Egypt Match at FIFA World Cup 2026
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Omar Al Ali and Mohammed Al Hammadi boost UAE’s proud World Cup refereeing legacy in 2026.
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The United Arab Emirates will have significant representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA announced that Emirati referee Omar Al Ali will officiate the highly anticipated Group stage match between New Zealand and Egypt on Sunday at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver.
Al Ali will be assisted by compatriot Mohammed Al Hammadi, marking another milestone in the growing presence of UAE officials at the world's premier football tournament. They are part of an elite contingent of 52 referees selected for this year's expanded 48-team competition.
"It will be a proud moment for the UAE," said one official close to the announcement, noting that Emirati officials have now become regular fixtures at World Cups in recent years.
This appointment continues a strong tradition of UAE refereeing excellence at the global level. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, an all-Emirati team officiated the Group C match between France and Peru. That historic lineup consisted of Mohammed Hassan, assisted by Al Hammadi and Hassan Al Mahry. During that match, Hassan cautioned four players, including French star Paul Pogba, though VAR later helped him revoke one yellow card following a case of mistaken identity.
Building on this legacy is former referee Ali Bujsaim, who paved the way for UAE officials across three consecutive World Cups between 1994 and 2002. Bujsaim achieved multiple groundbreaking milestones: becoming the first Asian official to referee a World Cup opening match, the first to take charge of a semi-final, and the first to officiate a third-place play-off.
The upcoming New Zealand versus Egypt clash at BC Place is scheduled for Sunday evening local time (Monday 5am GMT), with both teams entering the contest riding confidence from their opening matches. Egypt impressed observers during their 1-1 draw with Belgium, while New Zealand fought hard in their 2-2 encounter against Iran.
With Al Ali at the helm, the match promises not only competitive football but also continued recognition for Middle Eastern officiating talent on the world stage.