By: Kwame Bediako
FIFA has officially unveiled the list of 23 Ghanaian referees approved to officiate international matches in the 2026 calendar year, solidifying Ghana’s robust presence on the global officiating stage.
This elite group includes 10 Centre Referees, 10 Assistant Referees, one Futsal Referee, one Beach Soccer Referee, and one Video Assistant Referee (VAR), ready to represent the Black Stars’ nation with distinction.
Leading the pack is veteran official Daniel Laryea, retained as both a Centre Referee and VAR, bringing his wealth of experience to high-stakes games.
The roster also introduces promising new assistant referee Richard Kwaku, injecting fresh talent into the mix, while Portia Oppong secures a spot in the Beach Soccer category, marking a milestone for female officials from Ghana.
The selection process aligns with FIFA’s strict regulations, where Member Associations like Ghana submit annual nominations through the Ghana Football Association’s (GFA) Referees Committee.
Nominees must pass rigorous FIFA-approved fitness and medical assessments, ensuring only the best advance to the world body’s final review.
FIFA holds the ultimate authority to approve or reject candidates based on its global standards, a vetting stage that underscores the prestige of making the list.
Successful officials earn the right to wear the coveted FIFA badge from January to December 2026, symbolizing excellence on pitches worldwide.
Retention for future years hinges on individual performance, with the badge remaining FIFA’s property, a reminder of the ongoing commitment required.
This approval boosts Ghana’s refereeing credentials ahead of major tournaments, promising fair play and national pride in 2026 and beyond.
