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FIFA Announces Referees for 2026 World Cup with Notable Representation from Americas

KVIA•Friday, April 10, 2026 at 12:26 AM•CNN Newsource

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The FIFA World Cup 2026 will feature a record 52 referees, with significant representation from the Americas, including 20 officials from Concacaf and Conmebol. Argentina and Brazil lead with three referees each, while Mexico and the U.S. will each have one female referee among their two representatives. Katia Itzel García from Mexico and Mary Victoria Penso from the U.S. are set to make history as part of the officiating team. This tournament marks the first time 48 teams will compete, highlighting the growing diversity in international soccer officiating. The announcement underscores the importance of recognizing the quality of refereeing from Latin America, despite local criticisms.

Key Details: • World Cup 2026 will feature 52 referees, with 20 from the Americas. • Argentina and Brazil each have three referees selected. • Katia Itzel García (Mexico) and Mary Victoria Penso (U.S.) are the first female referees in a men's World Cup. • The tournament will take place in the summer of 2026, marking a historic expansion of the event.

world-cup soccer fifa referees latam

People & Organizations

FIFAClaudio TapiaKatia Itzel GarcíaMary Victoria PensoPablo TovigginoAsociación Argentina de Árbitros

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