FIFA has unveiled the officiating roster for the 2026 World Cup, and Brazil has claimed a significant honor. The nation will send nine officials—three referees and six assistant referees—making it the most represented country in the tournament's refereeing corps.
The Brazilian contingent will feature referees Raphael Claus, Ramon Abatti, and Wilton Sampaio, supported by assistant referees Bruno Boschilia, Bruno Pires, Danilo Manis, Rodrigo Figueiredo, Rafael Alves, and Rodolpho Toski. This selection underscores the high regard for Brazilian officiating on the global stage.
Netto Góes, Director of Refereeing at the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), hailed the announcement as more than just a number. "This is a reflection of serious, consistent work aligned with world football's standards of excellence," he stated. "It reinforces FIFA's confidence and highlights the technical quality, physical preparation, and commitment of our professionals. It shows Brazil delivers not only great players but also top-tier referees for the world's most demanding competitions."
Rodrigo Cintra, president of the CBF Refereeing Commission, emphasized the collective achievement. "This is the result of a winning team working tirelessly for Brazilian refereeing," Cintra said. He connected the news to recent progress, noting the launch of professional refereeing in Brazil and a commitment to further improvement through technology and training. For fans, this news adds another layer of Brazilian influence to the beautiful game, as the nation's expertise extends from the pitch to the whistle.
