FIFA selects four German referees for World Cup 2026 duty

Felix Zwayer, Robert Kempter, Christian Dietz and Bastian Dankert will feature at the FIFA 2026 World Cup after being named on the tournament's list of match officials.

FIFA selected 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials from 50 member associations for the 48-team competition, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA from 11 June to 19 July.

Zwayer will be among the tournament referees at the finals. The 44-year-old has presided over 370 Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 matches to date, as well as 42 in the UEFA Champions League, four at UEFA Euro 2024 and two during the FIFA 2025 Club World Cup. 

Fellow Germany-based match officials Kempter and Dietz will be involved as assistants, while Dankert will assume video assistant referee (VAR) duties.

Watch: How do referees announce VAR decisions during matches?

"Being selected as a referee for the World Cup is a dream for any referee. Felix Zwayer, his team and Bastian Dankert can really look forward to the opportunity," said Knut Kircher, managing director of sport and communications in the German football association's refereeing department.

"FIFA's selection is yet another endorsement of German refereeing. The nominees have been recognised and rewarded for their fine performances. I wish them every success for the rest of the season and all the best and good luck at the World Cup."