Dubai: The Emirati refereeing team, led by international referee Omar Al Ali, returned to the UAE on Tuesday after completing its assignments at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently being hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.The UAE officiating team took charge of 10 matches during the tournament, including the group-stage encounter between Egypt and New Zealand, delivering performances that earned praise from the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA).The Emirati delegation included assistant referee Mohammed Ahmed Yousef and video assistant referee Mohammed Obaid Khadem.The participation marks the eighth appearance of UAE referees at the FIFA World Cup, underscoring the country's growing reputation and presence on the international refereeing stage.The selection of the Emirati refereeing team followed a series of strong performances in local, continental and international competitions, reinforcing FIFA's confidence in their abilities and professional standards.Their latest World Cup participation highlights the continued progress of UAE football officiating and its increasing role in major global tournaments.
