The Moroccan referees selected to officiate at the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup have entered an important phase of their preparations. They have recently embarked on their journey to the United States, where they will participate in FIFA-organized preparatory camps tailored for the upcoming global competition. This significant step marks a crucial moment in their readiness to handle the pressures and responsibilities that come with officiating at such a prestigious event.
Representing Morocco at this monumental tournament are international referee Jalal Jayed, who will serve as the center referee, alongside assistant referees Mustafa Akerkad and Zakaria El Barinsi. Additionally, Hamza El Fariq has been appointed to oversee the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, further showcasing Morocco's commitment to ensuring excellence in officiating. The Moroccan quartet is set to embark on a rigorous training program at the designated camps outlined by FIFA, where they will participate in various physical and technical evaluations, alongside practical lectures that aim to standardize refereeing interpretations ahead of the matches.
The preparations for the center referees and assistant referees will take place in Miami, while Hamza El Fariq is slated to join the specialized group of VAR officials in Seattle. This separation into distinct training programs reflects the unique nature of their respective responsibilities during the tournament, ensuring that each referee is comprehensively prepared to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
As reported by m.elbotola.com.
