Eight Central American referees selected for 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup will feature eight referees from Central America, a significant representation that acknowledges the region's advancing standards in football officiating. FIFA confirmed the inclusion of three Honduran referees, two from El Salvador, two from Costa Rica, and one from Nicaragua. This selection highlights the progress in Central American refereeing, with Guatemala, Belize, and Panama being the notable exceptions.

The contingent comprises three main referees and five assistant referees, all possessing considerable international experience. Among the selected officials are individuals who have officiated in Club World Cups and finals of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) tournaments. However, the list notably excludes prominent Guatemalan referees, such as Mario Escobar, who officiated in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, and his assistants Luis Ventura and Humberto Panjoj.

Historically, Panama and Belize have not had central referees at a World Cup. While Panamanian referee Roberto Moreno was a standout and served as a fourth official in the 2014 Brazil World Cup, he did not make this final selection. The selected Central American referees for the 2026 World Cup include assistants Juan Carlos Mora (Costa Rica), Christian Ramírez (Honduras), Walter López (Honduras), Antonio Pupiro (Nicaragua), and David Morán (El Salvador).