All means of success were available to the Emirati refereeing team participating in the World Cup

The Emirati refereeing crew, led by international referee Omar Al Ali, departs for the United States of America today, via Dubai International Airport, along with international assistant referee Mohammed Ahmed Yousef, and international assistant referee Mohammed Obaid, who was chosen as a video referee, to participate in managing the 2026 World Cup matches, which will run from June 11 to July 19, with the participation of 48 teams for the first time in the history of the tournament.

Omar Al Ali confirmed the readiness of the Emirati crew to make an honorable appearance and represent the Emirati arbitration in this global event, noting that all means of success were available to them through good preparation.

Al Ali said in statements to Emirates Today that the past preparation period was excellent, with the cooperation and supervision of the UAE and International Football Associations, explaining that it included technical and physical training and extensive medical tests.

He thanked the UAE Football Association, headed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, the First Vice President of the Federation, Abdullah Nasser Al-Junaibi, and the Secretary-General, Mohammed Hazzam Al-Dhaheri, in addition to the Referees Committee, the Media and Medical Committee, and all employees of the Federation, in appreciation of the great support that the crew received in preparation for participation in the World Cup.

He also thanked his employer and all its officials for their support and providing him with all means of success.

According to the program developed by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), the Emirati refereeing crew will join a special preparation program that extends for 10 days upon its arrival in the United States, intended for the referees participating in the management of the tournament matches.

The Emirati refereeing team selected to participate in the World Cup received great support and interest from the Football Association, with the aim of making an honorable appearance and representing the Emirati refereeing in this global event.

The upcoming appearance of the UAE referee in the World Cup is the eighth in the history of the UAE referee’s participation in the World Cup.