The announcement, which includes a prestigious list of global referees, marks the first time a Mauritanian center referee will grace the world’s biggest footballing stage. Beida’s inclusion is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the rising standard of officiating within the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
A Rising Star in African Officiating
Dahane Beida’s selection comes on the heels of a stellar period in his professional career. He has rapidly ascended the ranks of African refereeing, becoming a trusted figure for high-stakes continental fixtures.
His most notable assignments include:
* AFCON 2023 Final: Officiating the high-pressure championship match between Nigeria and Ivory Coast.
* CAF Confederation Cup Finals: Handling major regional club finals with tactical poise and authority.
* Elite Continental Experience: Consistent performances in the CAF Champions League and various FIFA youth tournaments.
At just 34 years old, Beida represents a new generation of African officials who combine physical peak performance with a deep understanding of modern VAR protocols.
Representing Africa on the Global Stage
Beida is part of an elite group of seven African center referees chosen by the FIFA Referees Committee. While several traditional footballing giants on the continent saw their officials omitted from the list, Mauritania’s representation highlights the nation's growing influence and technical development.
The selected African referees for 2026 include:
* Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
* Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria)
* Abongile Tom (South Africa)
* Amin Mohamed Omar (Egypt)
* Pierre Ghislain Atcho (Gabon)
* Omar Abdulkadir Artan (Somalia)
* Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
The Road to 2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest in history with 48 teams and 104 matches. To ensure the highest level of fairness and technical accuracy, FIFA’s selection process involved a rigorous three-year evaluation of performance, fitness, and psychological readiness.
For Mauritania, Beida’s presence in North America serves as a beacon of inspiration for young athletes and officials alike, proving that technical excellence can lead to the pinnacle of global sport, regardless of a nation's size.
Profile: Dahane Beida
| Detail | Information |
| Nationality | Mauritania |
| Age | 34 |
| FIFA Debut | 2018 |
| Key Match | 2023 AFCON Final (Nigeria vs. Ivory Coast) |
| Tournament | FIFA World Cup 2026 |