The Emirati whistle is ready for its honorable appearance in the 2026 World Cup

The international assistant football referee, Mohammed Ahmed Youssef, expressed his great happiness at being selected as part of the UAE refereeing team participating in the 2026 World Cup, led by the international referee, Omar Al Ali, stressing that this participation represents an unforgettable historical moment in his refereeing career.

He explained that this is the third time in a row that he is present at the World Cup Finals, after participating in the 2018 editions in Russia and the 2022 editions in Qatar, indicating that the Emirati crew is preparing to appear in an honorable manner that reflects the development of sports and arbitration in the UAE in the largest global football event.

FIFA had selected an Emirati team consisting of international referee Omar Al Ali, international assistant referee Mohammed Ahmed Youssef, and video referee Mohammed Obaid Khadem, to participate in managing the 2026 World Cup finals matches.

Youssef said in a statement to Emirates Today: “This choice places a great responsibility on the Emirati arbitration team, and we look forward to providing a level of arbitration worthy of the reputation of Emirati arbitration in this global forum.”

Regarding his family’s reaction, he confirmed that the news was met with great joy, considering that this achievement does not belong to him alone, but rather represents pride for all members of his family.

He added: “I aspire to participate in the World Cup for the fourth time, especially since my age allows it, and I am still capable of giving. At the beginning of my career, the technical director of the referees committee in the Football Association, the Jordanian Omar Bashtawi, nominated me to obtain the international badge, at a time when the federation was headed by Muhammad Khalfan Al-Rumaithi, where I found great support and a clear vision for continuity and presence in the largest tournaments.

Regarding his expectation of being selected for the third time, he said: “It was not easy, especially after the change in the refereeing team that I was working with, but the belief in the ability of Emirati cadres to succeed in various circumstances was a great motivation.”

Youssef thanked the Football Association, headed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the referees’ committee, and all officials in the federation. He also expressed his gratitude to the former presidents of the federation and the various refereeing committees for their continued support. He also thanked the Chairman of the AFC Referees Committee and the Vice Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, Hani Ballan, for his support.

He stressed that the UAE is full of distinguished arbitration competencies, noting that he benefited greatly from the experiences of previous generations, and hopes to be a role model for future generations in this field.

Regarding his beginnings, he explained that his passion for sports and arbitration was the main motivation for him entering this field, in addition to the support he received from the Football Association and the Referees Committee, which motivated him to continue and develop.

Regarding the upcoming preparations, he said: “We are currently preparing to participate in the AFC Champions League matches for clubs that will be held in the group system in Saudi Arabia during this month. Then we will participate in the camp organized by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) for the referees selected for the 2026 World Cup, which will include lectures on the laws of the game and the new amendments, in addition to fitness tests and medical examinations, before the start of the tournament.”

Regarding his most important refereeing stations, he pointed out that his participation in the 2018 and 2022 World Cups is considered one of the most important stations, in addition to his participation in the 2023 Asian Cup in Qatar, as well as the 2015 editions in Australia and the 2019 editions in the Emirates, in addition to his officiating many AFC Champions League matches.

. The Emirates is full of distinguished arbitration competencies… and I hope to be a role model for future generations in this field.