The Saudi Refereeing Team Heads to the United States for Preparatory Program

2026-05-31
20:19:37

The Saudi refereeing team, consisting of referee Khalid Al-Turais, assistant referee Mohammed Al-Abkari, and video assistant referee Abdullah Al-Shehri, departed for the United States on Sunday to begin their preparatory program ahead of officiating matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 18.
Referees Khalid Al-Turais and Mohammed Al-Abkari are scheduled to undergo a 10-day training program at the 2026 World Cup Referees Headquarters in Miami. This program will include theoretical lectures, fitness training, and practical exercises on the field.
In the Same context, referee Abdullah Al-Shehri will travel to Dallas, where the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) Headquarters for the World Cup is located.
FIFA had previously announced the selection of a Saudi Arabian refereeing team to officiate matches at the 2026 World Cup, marking the first appearance of Saudi Arabian referees at the tournament since 2010.
The selection of the Saudi team came after their distinguished performances in numerous regional, continental, and international refereeing assignments, most notably their successful participation in the FIFA U-20 World Cup held last year in Chile.