FIFA has appointed a Qatari refereeing team led by Abdulrahman Al-Jassim to officiate Portugal vs DR Congo at the FIFA World Cup 2026, held at Houston Stadium.
FIFA has appointed a Qatari refereeing team to officiate the Group K match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of Congo, set to take place next Wednesday at Houston Stadium as part of the first round of the group stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The announcement was made by FIFA on June 14, 2026. Abdulrahman Al-Jassim has been appointed as the referee for the match, with Saud Ahmed and Talib Salem Al-Marri serving as assistant referees. Group K also includes Uzbekistan and Colombia alongside Portugal and DR Congo.
This appointment continues a strong Qatari presence among the officiating teams selected for the tournament. FIFA had already confirmed before the tournament began that a Qatari refereeing team would be part of the global panel for the World Cup, which features 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Alongside Al-Jassim, Saud Ahmed and Talib Salem Al-Marri, Khamis Al-Marri was selected as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) official for the tournament.
The selection reflects the standing Qatari refereeing has built on the international stage in recent years, following strong performances by Qatari officials at continental and global tournaments. These experiences have helped sharpen the expertise of Qatari referees and increase their presence at major footballing events, with this World Cup appointment seen as further confirmation of international confidence in Qatar’s refereeing capabilities.
For Qatar’s own World Cup campaign, including the team’s Group B fixtures against Switzerland, Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, see our complete guide to Qatar at FIFA World Cup 2026.
Source: QNA
