Saudi referee Abdullah Al-Shehri described his selection to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an “exceptional” career milestone, expressing deep pride in representing the Kingdom among the world's elite officials at football's premier global tournament. Al-Shehri told the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) that the selection not merely as a personal triumph, but as the culmination of years of hard work, sacrifice, and continuous support. "Participating in this tournament means a great deal to me. As a Saudi citizen, it is a tremendous honor to be present and represent the Kingdom among the world's best referees," Al-Shehri said. "This is a great honor and a huge responsibility, and I am committed to representing my country to the best of my ability," he added. He hoped that his participation will serve as a powerful motivation for the next generation of Saudi referees striving to reach international tournaments. Commenting on the rigorous demands of the global stage, Al-Shehri stressed that World Cup officiating requires peak physical and mental readiness. He credited his foundational training at the AFC Referees Academy for providing the confidence and skill development necessary to compete at the highest level of the sport.
