By Kwame Bediako
FIFA-accredited Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea has been omitted from the 2026 FIFA World Cup officials list, dealing a blow to Ghana’s proud refereeing tradition.
The tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico (June 11-July 19) features 48 nations, including Ghana in Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama.
Premier League stars Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor headline the 50-man roster, while Brazil dominates with nine officials, three central refs and six assistants. Africa’s contingent numbers seven, spotlighting Egypt’s Amine Mohammed but conspicuously excluding Laryea, Ghana’s leading match official.
Laryea’s recent AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco sharply divided opinions, echoing the controversy around final ref Jean-Jacques Ndala’s handling of Morocco-Senegal. Ndala’s display drew widespread backlash amid the title forfeiture saga that cost Senegal their crown.
The double snub of African refs tied to last year’s chaotic AFCON raises eyebrows, with Laryea’s absence particularly stinging for Ghanaian fans eyeing Black Stars’ tough group.
