Calgary official Drew Fischer has been selected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, as announced on Thursday. FIFA has chosen a total of 52 referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video match officials from 50 different member associations for this larger-scale event.
Joining Fischer from Canada are assistant referees Micheal Barwegen from Coaldale, Alberta, and Lyes Arfa from Laval, Quebec. This trio of officials represents Canada at the tournament.
The selection process, which includes officials from all six confederations, saw 41 more officials chosen compared to the previous 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The selection was based on a comprehensive three-year evaluation of performance at both domestic and international levels. Notably, six female match officials have been included, the same number as in the 2022 tournament.
Fischer, aged 45, boasts the title of a two-time Major League Soccer referee of the year and has officiated over 200 MLS matches since his debut in 2012. He previously served as a video assistant referee at the Qatar World Cup, including the semifinal match. Fischer has also officiated at the women’s World Cup, Club World Cup, and Olympic Games in various capacities.
Pre-tournament preparations for match officials will commence with a seminar in Miami starting on May 31. Video officials will be stationed in Dallas at the International Broadcast Centre throughout the competition.
The upcoming World Cup will feature the utilization of goal-line technology, an enhanced version of semi-automated offside technology, connected ball technology, and referee body cameras providing unique on-field perspectives. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA’s referees chief, highlighted that fans will have the opportunity to view the action from the referee’s on-field viewpoint for the first time in World Cup history.
The World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11 in Mexico City and Guadalajara, with additional matches to be held in the United States and Canada. Toronto will host six matches, while Vancouver will be the venue for seven matches during the tournament.
Canada’s national team will kick off their World Cup campaign on June 12 in Toronto against Bosnia and Herzegovina, followed by matches against Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver.