FIFA has announced the Spanish refereeing contingent for the next Football World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Alejandro Hernández Hernández, from Lanzarote, has been chosen to officiate as a main referee in the prestigious tournament. Alongside him, Carlos del Cerro Grande has been appointed for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, with Diego Sánchez and José Enrique Naranjo serving as assistant referees.
Hernández Hernández joins an exclusive roster of 52 field referees, who, along with 88 assistants and 30 video assistants from the six confederations and 50 member federations, will be responsible for ensuring fair play at football's premier global event. His selection means he replaces Jesús Gil Manzano, the sole Spanish main referee at the 2024 European Championship in Germany, and surpasses José María Sánchez Martínez, another elite Spanish referee in UEFA.
FIFA's decision is based on the consistent performance demonstrated by the candidates in various tournaments organized by the body, as well as in national and international competitions over recent years. The entity, led by Gianni Infantino, has emphasized that it prioritizes "quality above all else" in its selection process.
“"They are the best in the world. Our goal is to ensure they are in optimal physical and mental condition when they arrive in Miami on May 31st. Our analysts will provide the referees with all the necessary information to prepare properly."
The refereeing team will establish its headquarters in Miami, where the selected officials will gather for a ten-day preparatory seminar commencing on May 31st. Following this phase, VAR team members will relocate to Dallas, which will host the International Radio and Television Center, while the field referees, assistants, and support staff will remain in the Florida city.
