Speaking English and mental training: the requirements that World Cup referees must meet
This is the demanding physical, mental and linguistic preparations which referees must overcome on the road to the World Cup.
While all eyes are usually on the players, World Cup referees go through their own intense preparation. They train, study, and condition themselves to survive 90 minutes — or more — at the highest level of the sport. And in a global tournament like the World Cup, they also need the language skills to communicate with players from every corner of the world.
Physical demands: 6 miles of sprinting, turning, and nonstop movement
UEFA sports scientist Werner Helsen estimates that referees cover around 10 kilometers (about 6.2 miles) per match — and even more if the game goes to extra time. Over those 90 minutes, they must sprint, change direction instantly, and maintain high‑level endurance. On top of that, they have to manage the emotions of 22 players while enforcing FIFA’s rules with precision.
Keeping up with the fastest athletes on the field is no small task.
Who officiates the 2026 World Cup
This year’s referee crew includes:
- 52 main referees
- 88 assistant referees
- 30 video match officials
FIFA’s top match officials
FIFA says selections were based strictly on quality, consistency, and performance over recent years — including domestic leagues, international competitions, and previous FIFA tournaments.
Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s legendary head of refereeing, put it bluntly: “The referees selected are the best in the world… Our goal is to ensure they arrive in Miami in peak physical and mental condition.”
The language barrier: English required
Even with VAR, communication remains essential. FIFA designates English as the official language for international matches. Spanish, French, and German are also widely used, but match reports and official documentation are written in English.
That means every referee working the World Cup must be able to communicate confidently in English on the field.
The physical tests every World Cup referee must pass
Before even being considered for a World Cup, referees must work at least two years in their country’s top division. Then they face FIFA’s demanding fitness tests, which include:
- Six 40‑meter sprints with no more than 60 seconds of rest between each
- Men: under 6.0 seconds
- Women: under 6.4 seconds
- Interval test repeated 40 times
- Run 75 meters, then fast‑walk 35 meters
- Equivalent to 10 laps of a 400‑meter track
- 7‑7‑7 change‑of‑direction test
- Run 7 meters, turn 90 degrees, run 7 more, repeat
- Must be completed twice in 4.9 seconds
These drills simulate the constant acceleration, deceleration, and directional changes referees face during a match.
Mental training: anticipating the game before it happens
Refereeing isn’t just physical — it’s deeply cognitive. Understanding team tactics and player tendencies helps referees position themselves correctly and make better decisions.
Rick Eddy, U.S. Soccer’s director of referee development, explains that top officials:
- Study match footage
- Track player behavior and patterns
- Anticipate where the ball will go
- Move into the right position before the play unfolds
This blend of physical and mental preparation allows referees to manage the game effectively, even under World Cup pressure.
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