FIFA Narrows Referee Pool for Final Four World Cup Matches: Who Remains in Contention?

With only four matches remaining at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA has reportedly reduced its list of available match officials, leaving just a select group of referees eligible for the semifinals, third place play off and the final. While FIFA has not yet officially confirmed the semifinal appointments, several well connected refereeing sources report that the remaining officials have already been informed they will stay in the United States, while the rest of the referees have departed.

According to reports from Arbitro Internacional, the remaining referee pool includes:

• Szymon Marciniak (Poland)
• István Kovács (Romania)
• Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)
• Slavko Vinčić (Slovenia)
• Wilton Pereira Sampaio (Brazil)
• Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
• Raphael Claus (Brazil)
• Felix Zwayer (Germany)
• Espen Eskås (Norway)
• Ismail Elfath (United States)
• César Arturo Ramos (Mexico)
• Ivan Barton (El Salvador)
• Omar Mohamed Artan (Somalia)

The absence of several high profile names is equally significant.

Officials such as Michael Oliver, Anthony Taylor, Clément Turpin, François Letexier and João Pinheiro are no longer believed to be in contention for the tournament’s final matches. Some are ineligible because their national teams remain in the competition, while others have already completed their expected number of appointments or have reportedly returned home.

Who Are The Favourites?

Based on FIFA’s appointment history and performances throughout the tournament, several referees stand out.

Szymon Marciniak remains the strongest candidate for one of the semifinals and could even become a contender for another World Cup Final after his outstanding international performances in recent years.

István Kovács has impressed with calm match management and excellent disciplinary control, making him another strong option.

Danny Makkelie and Slavko Vinčić also remain highly trusted by FIFA and UEFA, while Wilton Pereira Sampaio continues to be among CONMEBOL’s leading referees.

How Does FIFA Select Referees?

FIFA appointments are never based only on performance.

The Referees Committee, chaired by Pierluigi Collina, evaluates several factors before every knockout appointment, including:

• Previous tournament performances
• Consistency of decision making
• Physical condition
• Team nationality
• Potential conflicts of interest
• Previous appointments involving the participating teams

Article 37 of the FIFA World Cup Regulations also states that referees must come from a member association that is not represented by either team playing the match, with all appointments made exclusively by the FIFA Referees Committee.

What Happens Next?

The semifinal appointments are expected to be announced within the next 24 hours.

Those appointments will also provide the clearest indication of who is leading the race to referee the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium.

If Marciniak, Kovács or Vinčić receives a semifinal assignment, it could significantly influence FIFA’s decision for the final.

VAR Verdict

The reduced referee pool is another sign that FIFA has entered the final stage of its referee selection process.

Only officials who have consistently performed at the highest level remain under consideration.

Now all attention turns to FIFA’s official appointments, which will reveal not only the semifinal referees but also who is emerging as the favourite to officiate the biggest match in world football.

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Source: The reported referee pool originates from Arbitro Internacional, a respected refereeing outlet, and has since been widely discussed within the refereeing community. FIFA has not yet officially confirmed the final shortlist or semifinal appointments.