2026 WC Playoff: Moroccan Referee Appointed for Nigeria vs DR Congo Match
FIFA has appointed Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed to officiate the crucial 2026 World Cup CAF playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo, scheduled for Sunday. Jayed will be assisted by fellow Moroccans Mustapha Akarkad and Zakaria Bernissi as the assistant referees, while Tunisia’s Mahrez El Malki serves as fourth official. The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team for the match comprises Lahlou Benbraham from Algeria and Haitham Guirat from Tunisia, ensuring full video review coverage. The playoff determines which team advances to the FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental playoffs, adding high stakes to the Nigeria vs DR Congo showdown.