The World Cup enhances the status of Moroccan referees.

The Moroccan refereeing journey in the World Cup finals has witnessed a remarkable gradual development, manifested in the emergence of prominent names that have asserted their competence strongly at the highest football levels. After decades in which local refereeing remained distant from the spotlight, overshadowed by European and South American schools, the Moroccan referee succeeded in gaining increasing international credibility that led him to a stage of global recognition.

This historic leap is closely associated with the name of the late referee Said Belqola, a son of the city of Tiflet, who etched his name in golden ink in the 1998 France edition as the first African and Arab referee to officiate the World Cup final between France and Brazil. This appointment represented a historic crowning for the Moroccan whistle, and a strong message that reflected his strict personality and high ability to manage major peaks; thus opening wide doors for subsequent generations.

In the same vein, a new generation of Moroccan referees has continued to enhance Morocco's presence in international arenas, with prominent names such as Ridouane Jaid, Mohamed Kzaz, Ridouane Achik, and Adel Zourak, who contributed with their outstanding performances in continental and international tournaments to establish a respectable and disciplined image of Moroccan refereeing. Although they have not reached the final of the World Cup, their constant presence in competitions of the African Football Confederation (CAF) and the International Federation of the game itself (FIFA) has significantly bolstered the credibility of Moroccan training.

Over the years, the refereeing sector in Morocco has undergone a comprehensive modernization based on launching advanced training programs, improving physical preparation, and embracing modern technological means, foremost among them the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology; which has resulted in the emergence of a new generation capable of keeping pace with the most precise modern football requirements.

This new dynamism is today embodied in the significant presence of referees such as Jalal Jaid, and assistants Zakaria Brinsi and Mustafa Akrakad, in addition to VAR referee Hamza Al-Farq. The presence of these referees in international competitions and their selection among the lists nominated to officiate the 2026 World Cup matches reflects the great confidence that international bodies place in Moroccan refereeing competencies.

Thus, the historic achievement of Said Belqola laid the foundations for the emergence of ambitious generations that have succeeded in establishing their place in the World Cup records, through a path based on rigor, continuity, and high adaptability; which has made Morocco today classified among the active and influential countries in the global football refereeing scene.