Alireza Faghani Poised to Break World Refereeing Record
Alireza Faghani, the distinguished Iranian-Australian referee, is on track to become the first official to officiate in four FIFA World Cups, potentially setting a new global standard in football refereeing.
Alireza Faghani, renowned for his exceptional officiating skills, is anticipated to make history by participating in his fourth FIFA World Cup in 2026. This achievement would distinguish him as the first referee globally to reach such a milestone.
Faghani's career has been marked by numerous accolades, including officiating high-profile matches across various international tournaments. His consistent performance has earned him recognition as one of the top referees in the world.
In a recent interview, Ali Khosravi, a member of the Iranian Football Federation's Referees Committee, highlighted Faghani's potential record-breaking feat. Khosravi noted that while referees like Ravshan Irmatov have officiated in three World Cups, Faghani's participation in the 2026 tournament would set a new precedent.
Faghani's transition from Iran to Australia has extended his international career, allowing him to continue officiating at the highest levels. This move has been beneficial, enabling him to remain on the FIFA referees list beyond the typical age restrictions applied in some countries.
As the football community looks forward to the 2026 World Cup, all eyes will be on Faghani as he stands on the brink of setting a remarkable record in the history of football refereeing.