Calgary referee Drew Fischer picked for FIFA World Cup officiating roster

By Canadian Press on April 9, 2026.

Calgary referee Drew Fischer will work the FIFA World Cup after being named Thursday to 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 expanded event.

Assistant referees Micheal Barwegen of Coaldale, Alta., and Lyes Arfa of Laval, Que., were also named, giving Canada three officials at the tournament.

Fischer, 45, is a two-time Major League Soccer referee of the year and has worked more than 200 MLS matches since his debut in 2012.

He served as a video assistant referee at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, including the semifinal, and has also worked as a VAR at the women’s World Cup and Club World Cup, and as an on-field and video official at the Olympic Games.

Match assignments for the 48-team tournament will be made following a pre-tournament seminar in Miami beginning May 31. The World Cup kicks off June 11 in Mexico, with matches also played in the United States and Canada, including games in Toronto and Vancouver.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 9, 2026.

The Canadian Press