Morocco's Jalal Jayed has been appointed as the referee for Germany's opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group E fixture against Curacao at NRG Stadium in Houston — making him the first Moroccan official to take charge of a World Cup match since 2002.

Jayed brings considerable experience to the role, having overseen several high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations knockout ties and the Casablanca derby in recent years. His appointment reflects the growing recognition of African officiating at the highest level of the game.

An all-Moroccan officiating crew on the lines

Jayed will be joined on the touchlines by fellow Moroccan officials Zakaria Brinsi and Mostafa Akarkad, who serve as his assistant referees. The trio forms a fully Moroccan team on the pitch.

South Africa also has strong representation across the fixture. Abongile Tom takes the role of fourth official, while compatriot Zakhele Siwela serves as reserve assistant referee. Tom officiated at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and was among two South African referees awarded professional contracts by CAF in 2023. Siwela, meanwhile, is appearing at his third consecutive major tournament in this capacity.

VAR team led by another Moroccan

Morocco's Hamza El-Fariq takes on video assistant referee duties for the match. Nicolas Gallo serves as assistant video assistant referee, and Australian Shaun Evans rounds out the VAR team as support video assistant referee.

Evans is a vastly experienced VAR operator, having served in that role at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2023 AFC Asian Cup.

Germany, four-time world champions, enter the tournament as heavy favourites against debutants Curacao in what promises to be a compelling opening Group E encounter.