Abongile Tom set to officiate 2026 FIFA World Cup

South African referee Abongile Tom is in line to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after making the cut for the first phase of the tournament’s preparations.

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This is according to a report by iDiski Times, who said Tom was among the 13 referees selected by FIFA to undergo training later this month.

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The publication reports that Tom will be in Qatar alongside his fellow colleagues for the first course between 26-29 February.

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Tom is currently in Côte D’Ivoire for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament where he has already officiated three matches.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three North American countries – United States, Mexico and Canada.

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ABONGILE TOM SET TO OFFICIATE AT 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

“iDiski Times understands that Tom is amongst the 13 referees who have been selected for the first preparations. Their first course will be in Qatar between 26-29 February.”

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FULL LIST OF SELECTED REFEREES

Ibrahim Mutaz, Ghorbal Mustapha, Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo, Abongile Tom,Issa Sy, Dahane Beida, Guylain Pierre Atcho, Mahmood Ali Mahmood, Amin Mohamed Amin Mohamed Omar, Mansour Mohamed Maarouf, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, Allaou Alhadji Mahamat and Bouchra Karboubi.