The FIFA Club World Cup 2023 is set to take place in the vibrant city of Jeddah. Scheduled for the winter dates of 12–22 December, the tournament will feature 7 elite teams, representing 6 different football confederations from around the globe. The event will be hosted across 2 venues within the host city, offering fans multiple state-of-the-art facilities to enjoy the matches. This international football spectacle promises to bring together a diverse mix of cultures and some of the finest talents in the sport, all competing for the prestigious title in the heart of Jeddah.
As we edge closer to the 2023 edition of the Club World Cup, the anticipation isn’t just around the teams that will battle for glory but equally about those who will enforce the rules of the beautiful game. This article will take you through an engaging journey, introducing the FIFA Club World Cup 2023 referee names, their roles, the rigorous preparation they undergo, and the vital presence they command on the football field.
| Confederation | Role | Referee | Assistant Referee 1 | Assistant Referee 2 | VAR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFC | Referee | Mohammed Al Hoish | Khalaf Al Shammari | Yasir Al Sultan | Khamis Al Marri (QAT) |
| CAF | Referee | Jean Ndala | Elvis Noupue | Arsenio Marengula | Adil Zourak (MAR) |
| CONCACAF | Referee | Tori Penso | Brooke Mayo | Kathryn Nesbitt | Tatiana Guzman (NCA) |
| CONMEBOL | Referee | Jesus Valenzuela | Jorge Urrego | Tulio Moreno | Juan Soto (VEN) |
| CONMEBOL | VAR | Juan Lara (CHI) | |||
| OFC | Support Referee | Campbell-Kirk Kawana-Waugh (NZL) | |||
| UEFA | Referee | Szymon Marciniak | Tomasz Listkiewicz | Adam Kupsik | Tomasz Kwiatkowski (POL) |
| UEFA | VAR | Alejandro Hernandez Hernandez (ESP) | |||
| UEFA | VAR | Ivan Bebek (CRO) |
Before the tournament’s bright lights shine and the crowds roar, the referees’ preparation is intense and exhaustive. Months prior, the selected officials partake in seminars and training camps, where they are drilled in fitness, reviewed on new regulations, and given comprehensive psychological training to ensure their decision-making remains impartial no matter the stakes.
They’re also familiarized with the latest in officiating technology, such as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which has become an integral part of modern football. Their journey to the FIFA Club World Cup is a testament to their dedication and passion for the game.