FIFA has officially unveiled the list of 23 Ghanaian referees approved to officiate international matches in 2026, reaffirming Ghana’s strong presence on the global officiating stage.

Breakdown of Approved Officials


  • 10 Centre Referees

  • 10 Assistant Referees

  • 1 Futsal Referee

  • 1 Beach Soccer Referee

  • 1 Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

"In accordance with FIFA regulations, Member Associations are required to submit annual nominations for new referees or renew the appointments of existing officials on the FIFA list. This process is managed by the Referees Committee of the Ghana Football Association, which ensures that all nominees meet FIFA’s stringent eligibility requirements, including the successful completion of FIFA-approved fitness and medical assessments." as reported by Ghanasoccernet

Once the internal vetting process is completed, the nominations are submitted to FIFA for final validation. The world football governing body retains the authority to approve or reject any nominee based on its established standards.

Referees approved by FIFA are authorized to wear the FIFA badge from January 2026 to December 2026. Retention on the list in subsequent years will depend on individual performance, with the FIFA badge remaining the exclusive property of FIFA throughout the calendar year.

Notable Names


  • Daniel Laryea: Retained as both a Centre Referee and VAR, underscoring his experience and versatility.

  • Richard Kwaku: Newly appointed Assistant Referee, marking his debut on the FIFA list.

  • Portia Oppong: Earns recognition in the Beach Soccer category, highlighting Ghana’s growing diversity in officiating.

🏛️ Process & Regulations


  • Member Associations submit annual nominations for new referees or renewals.

  • The GFA Referees Committee vets nominees through FIFA-approved fitness and medical assessments.

  • FIFA retains final authority to approve or reject nominees based on its standards.

Tenure


  • Approved referees are authorized to wear the FIFA badge from January to December 2026.

  • Retention in subsequent years depends on performance and compliance with FIFA’s requirements.

  • The badge remains the exclusive property of FIFA throughout the calendar year.

This announcement not only reinforces Ghana’s reputation for producing top-tier officials but also signals opportunities for new faces like Richard Kwaku and Portia Oppong to shine on the international stage.