Doha, Qatar: FIFA has announced the match officials for matches 21 to 24 of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with three Qatari referees selected to officiate the Group K opening match between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo at Houston Stadium on June 17, 2026.
Abdulrahman Al Jassim has been appointed as the main referee for the fixture. He will be assisted by Taleb Al Marri and Saoud Al Maqaleh, who will serve as assistant referees.
The match officials' team will also include South African referee Abongile Tom as the fourth official, while Zakhele Siwela has been named reserve assistant referee.
The trio is one of Qatar's most experienced referees on the international stage, having officiated at the 2022 edition of the FIFA World Cup.
The Group K encounter between Portugal and the Democratic Republic of the Congo will be among the opening matches of the tournament's group stage.
