FIFA Referees List for 2026: England’s Top Match Officials Named for International Duty

FIFA has officially released the 2026 International Referees List, bringing major recognition to England’s match officials as preparations intensify for next summer’s global tournament. Several English referees, assistant referees, and video match officials earned their spots on this prestigious roster, with notable promotions highlighting the country’s growing influence in international football officiating.

The announcement arrives as the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, marking a historic moment where 48 nations will compete across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. With England securing their place among the qualified teams, the nation’s referees will play crucial roles both in the tournament and throughout the year’s international fixtures.

Breaking Down the Major Announcements

Elite Promotions That Matter

Chris Kavanagh’s rise to UEFA Elite status represents a milestone for English refereeing. The Premier League official now joins an exclusive group of just 35 referees across Europe qualified to officiate the continent’s highest-level matches. His promotion signals FIFA’s confidence in his ability to handle pressure situations at major tournaments.

Meanwhile, Emily Heaslip’s advancement to Category 1 marks significant progress in women’s refereeing development. The Bury St Edmunds official, who made history officiating the Vitality Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley, continues her impressive trajectory on the international stage.

Fresh Faces Join the International Stage

The 2026 list welcomes several newcomers to FIFA’s elite ranks:

• Wade Smith (Assistant Referee) – brings fresh perspective to England’s officiating team
• Leoni Harland (Assistant Referee) – adds depth to international match coverage
• Esther Perry (Futsal Referee) – becomes England’s first FIFA-listed women’s futsal official

Perry’s appointment breaks new ground for English football, opening pathways for future officials in this growing discipline.

Complete List of England’s FIFA Officials

Referees (15 Total)

Assistant Referees (17 Officials)

Key names include Simon Bennett, Gary Beswick, and Adam Nunn, who regularly feature in high-profile UEFA competitions. The newcomers Wade Smith and Leoni Harland join veterans like Stuart Burt and Ian Hussin, creating a balanced mix of experience and fresh talent.

Notable additions:

• Nicoleta-Romana Bria – international fixtures specialist
• Emily Carney – youth tournament veteran
• Sophie Dennington – rising star in officiating

Video Match Officials (10 Total)

England’s VAR team features experienced hands capable of making split-second decisions:

• Natalie Aspinall
• Stuart Attwell
• Peter Bankes
• Lee Betts
• Darren England
• Jarred Gillett
• Chris Kavanagh
• Andrew Madley
• Sian Massey-Ellis
• Michael Salisbury

Futsal Officials (4 Total)

• Oliver Ballinger
• Jordan Griffiths
• Peter Nurse
• Esther Perry (historic first female FIFA futsal referee)

What This Means for World Cup 2026

FIFA’s referee preparations for next summer’s tournament have been underway since Qatar 2022 ended. Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, emphasized that expectations remain sky-high following the successful officiating in Qatar.

The selected officials undergo rigorous preparation including:

Fitness monitoring – Regular physical assessments ensure peak conditioning
Performance evaluation – Domestic and confederation competitions tracked
Technical seminars – Multiple training sessions across different continents
Nutrition programs – Health optimization for tournament demands
Technology training – VAR and semi-automated offside technology mastery

Innovation in Modern Refereeing

The FIFA World Cup 2026 schedule will showcase cutting-edge officiating technology. Recent trials during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 included referee body cameras and advanced semi-automated offside detection systems.

These technological advances aim to improve accuracy while maintaining the human element crucial to football. Officials must now master both traditional refereeing skills and sophisticated digital tools.

England’s International Officiating Legacy

English officials achieved over 500 international appointments in the past year alone, demonstrating their reliability at the highest levels. From UEFA Champions League finals to World Cup qualifiers, England’s referees consistently earn trust for major fixtures.

The comprehensive development pathway—from grassroots to elite—ensures continuous talent emergence. The Elite Referee Development Plan implemented by PGMOL focuses on world-class standards at every level.

Looking Ahead: Tournament Assignments

While final World Cup 2026 referee assignments won’t be confirmed until closer to the tournament, England’s strong representation on the FIFA list positions multiple officials for selection. Key factors determining tournament participation include:

• Recent performance in major competitions
• Fitness levels maintained throughout the season
• Experience at high-pressure international fixtures
• Language abilities for effective communication
• Cultural adaptability for North American venues

The Road to North America

As preparations continue, these officials will gain invaluable experience through:

• UEFA Champions League knockout stages
• International friendlies
• Women’s competitions
• Youth tournaments
• Continental championships

Stay updated on all latest FIFA 26 updates as referee assignments and tournament preparations progress. The 2026 FIFA Referees List represents just one piece of the massive organizational puzzle coming together for football’s biggest celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many English referees made the 2026 FIFA list?
England has 46 total officials across all categories, including 15 referees, 17 assistant referees, 10 video match officials, and 4 futsal referees.

Who was promoted to UEFA Elite status for 2026?
Chris Kavanagh received promotion to UEFA’s Elite category, joining Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor as England’s top-level international referees.

What is Esther Perry’s historic achievement?
Esther Perry became England’s first-ever FIFA-listed women’s futsal referee, opening new pathways in this specialized discipline.

When will World Cup 2026 referee assignments be announced?
Final tournament referee selections typically occur 3-6 months before kickoff, with specific match assignments revealed closer to each game.

How are FIFA referees selected annually?
National associations nominate officials who meet age requirements (25+ for referees, 23+ for assistants), pass fitness tests, and demonstrate consistent high-level performance in domestic and international matches.