Amman, July 17 (Petra)-- Rasmi Al-Khazalah - Jordan's refereeing team has achieved another milestone for the Kingdom's sporting history after FIFA appointed international referee Adham Makhadmeh as fourth official for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, to be played on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, United States.

Jordanian referee Mohammad Khalaf has also been appointed as reserve assistant referee.

The appointments have drawn international attention and praise, reflecting FIFA's confidence in the Jordanian officiating team following its outstanding performances and top evaluations by the world governing body and refereeing analysis platforms.

The World Cup final will be officiated by Slovenian referee Slavko Vin?i?, assisted by compatriots Toma? Klan?nik and Andra? Kova?i?.
Sports experts told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the appointment marks another proud chapter in Jordanian sport, underscoring the growing international reputation of Jordanian referees and demonstrating that Jordanian officials have earned the trust of the world's highest football authorities.

Nihad Makhadmeh, a professor of physical education at Yarmouk University and sister of Adham Makhadmeh, said the selection of Jordanian referees for the world's biggest football match is far more than an assignment to officiate a major game; it is international recognition of the expertise, professionalism, discipline and competence of Jordanian referees after years of distinguished performances in continental and international competitions.

She stressed that reaching the World Cup final was the result of rigorous and continuous evaluation by FIFA, which applies the highest professional standards when selecting match officials.
Makhadmeh said the achievement extends beyond individual success, raising Jordan's profile on one of the world's biggest sporting stages and demonstrating the Kingdom's ability to produce world-class sporting talent, whether as players, coaches, administrators or referees.

She attributed the success to the significant development of Jordan's refereeing system in recent years, driven by enhanced referee development programs under the Jordan Football Association, led by HRH Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, as well as regular participation in Asian and international tournaments that has strengthened officials' experience and readiness to handle the world's biggest matches.

She noted that refereeing is among football's most demanding roles, requiring not only a thorough knowledge of the Laws of the Game but also exceptional decision-making under pressure, high physical and mental fitness, and a strong personality capable of earning the respect of players and coaching staff. The presence of a Jordanian referee in the World Cup final, she said, reflects the high level of confidence placed in Jordanian officials.

Former Jordan Football Association Head of Referees Salem Mahmoud described the appointment as an inspiration for a new generation of Jordanian referees, proving that dedication, commitment and hard work can lead to the highest levels of international football.

He added that the achievement will encourage the Jordan Football Association to continue investing in referee development, noting that Jordan has successfully established a distinguished reputation in international refereeing.

Mahmoud said the appointment reinforces Jordan's image as a country with highly qualified professionals capable of competing on the global stage and further enhances the reputation of Jordanian sport, which has achieved notable successes in both team and individual disciplines in recent years.

Former international referee Murad Al-Zawahreh said the selection sends a clear message that excellence is determined not by a country's size or geography but by competence, discipline and determination.

He described the appointment of Makhadmeh and Khalaf to the World Cup final officiating team as more than a sporting achievement, calling it a national success story that reflects the progress of Jordanian sport, highlights the international standing of Jordanian expertise, and paves the way for further achievements that will strengthen Jordan's presence at the world's premier sporting events.

//Petra// MF

17/07/2026 16:22:20