Former international referee Mohammed Abdullah from the United Arab Emirates has been appointed as a referee instructor for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking his third consecutive involvement in a World Cup cycle in an official capacity.
This appointment makes him the only Arab official selected for this prestigious instructional role, reflecting the high level of trust and recognition he has earned from FIFA for his experience, technical knowledge, and long-standing contribution to the development of match officiating at the global level.
Abdullah has an extensive track record on the world stage, having previously served as a match official during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and again at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. His consistent presence across multiple editions of the tournament highlights his sustained excellence and deep understanding of the demands of elite-level football officiating.
In his new role, he will be responsible for training, mentoring, and guiding referees and match officials as they prepare for the 2026 tournament, helping ensure consistency, accuracy, and professionalism in decision-making throughout the competition.
The appointment is also being viewed as a significant milestone for Emirati refereeing, further strengthening the United Arab Emirates’ growing reputation and influence in international football officiating circles. It underscores the country’s expanding contribution to the global sports ecosystem, particularly in the field of refereeing development and expertise.
