UAE referee Omar Al Ali will officiate at the World Cup this weekend. Getty ImagesUAE referee Omar Al Ali will officiate at the World Cup this weekend. Getty ImagesOmar will be assisted by compatriot Mohammed Al Hammadi on SundayThe NationalJune 19, 2026
Emirati referee Omar Al Ali will officiate the New Zealand v Egypt match at the 2026 World Cup in Vancouver.
Mohammed Al Hammadi will assist Mr Al Ali, continuing a tradition of UAE officials featuring at World Cups.
Ali Bujsaim led the way for Emirati referees, officiating three consecutive World Cups between 1994 and 2002.
The Emirati pioneer was the first Asian official to referee a World Cup semi-final and third-place play-off.
