Officials
FAGHANI Alireza
FIFA World Cup referee whose international appointments span the World Cup, AFC Asian Cup, Olympic Games and AFC Champions League.
Life and work
The story behind the role.
FAGHANI Alireza was appointed by FIFA as a referee for the FIFA World Cup 2026, representing the Australia member association in the official list published on 9 April 2026.
Football Australia records that Faghani began refereeing in 1994 and became a FIFA referee in 2008. By January 2024 he had worked four AFC Asian Cup editions, including the 2015 final, and was named AFC Referee of the Year in 2016 and 2018.
His official career summary includes four matches at the 2018 World Cup, including the third-place play-off, two at the 2022 World Cup, the 2016 Olympic men's gold-medal match, FIFA Club World Cups in 2013 and 2015, and the 2014 AFC Champions League final. The 2026 appointment is recorded under Football Australia's member association.
Achievements and distinctions
- 01
Selected for FIFA's 170-person match-official cohort for the 2026 World Cup.
- 02
AFC Referee of the Year in 2016 and 2018.
- 03
Refereed the 2015 AFC Asian Cup final and the 2016 Olympic men's gold-medal match.
Career record
- 01
1994 — Began refereeing, according to Football Australia.
- 02
2008 — Became a FIFA referee.
- 03
2015 — Refereed the AFC Asian Cup final.
- 04
2016 — Refereed the Olympic men's gold-medal match; named AFC Referee of the Year.
- 05
2018 — Refereed four FIFA World Cup matches, including the third-place play-off; named AFC Referee of the Year.
- 06
2022 — Refereed two FIFA World Cup matches.
- 07
2026 — Referee, FIFA World Cup 2026, representing Football Australia.
Career and education
Teams and organisations
FIFA · Australia member association · Football Australia · Asian Football Confederation
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News and developments
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