As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup begins, FIFA has taken a significant step by inviting 22 top European referees to a seminar in Zurich, set to take place from March 31 to April 3. Among them is Portugal’s João Pinheiro, whose inclusion has ignited hopes of being selected for the highly anticipated tournament next year. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11 and conclude on July 19, with 16 cities across three countries in North America – Canada, Mexico, and the United States – playing host to the event.
João Pinheiro, who celebrated his 37th birthday in January, has been a FIFA elite referee since then. His journey as a referee began in 2015 when he started officiating league games, and it wasn’t long before he earned his international badge the following year. This experience will undoubtedly serve him well as he looks to make his mark on the global stage.
For the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, FIFA called upon 36 main referees, with 11 hailing from the UEFA ranks. However, the upcoming tournament promises to be even bigger, with 48 teams participating and a total of 104 matches – a significant increase from the 64 games played in previous editions. This expansion means that more referees will be needed to ensure the smooth operation of the event.
The Road to Selection
The seminar in Zurich represents a crucial step in the selection process for referees aiming to officiate at the 2026 World Cup. It provides an opportunity for them to hone their skills, discuss key aspects of the game, and demonstrate their capabilities to FIFA officials. With the tournament’s expanded format, the role of referees will be more critical than ever, requiring a deep understanding of the game and the ability to make decisive calls under pressure.
Meet the Referees
The 22 referees invited to the seminar are:
- Irfan Peljto (Bosnia)
- Michael Oliver (England)
- Anthony Taylor (England)
- Jesús Gil Manzano (Spain)
- José Maria Sánchez Martínez (Spain)
- François Letexier (France)
- Clément Turpin (France)
- Daniel Siebert (Germany)
- Felix Zwayer (Germany)
- Marco Guida (Italy)
- Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
- Serdar Gözübüyük (Netherlands)
- Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
- Espen Eskås (Norway)
- Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
- João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro (Portugal)
- István Kovács (Romania)
- Sandro Schärer (Switzerland)
- Ivan Kružliak (Slovakia)
- Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
- Glenn Nyberg (Sweden)
- Halil Umut Meler (Turkey)
These officials will undergo rigorous training and evaluation, with the ultimate goal of being selected to referee at the 2026 World Cup. As the tournament draws near, fans and players alike will be watching with bated breath, hoping for a competition that is both exciting and fair, with referees playing a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the games.