FIFA has appointed an all-American refereeing team, supported by two Canadian officials, for Saturday’s highly anticipated FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026 final between Nigeria’s Flamingos and Japan.
The world football governing body named Natalie Simon of the United States as the centre referee for the historic encounter, which will take place on Saturday, November 7, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, Pitch 3.
The final is scheduled to kick off at 7:30pm Nigerian time, with both teams battling for the prestigious world title.
Other members of the officiating crew include Katarzyna Wasiak and Kali Smith, both from the United States, who will serve as assistant referees.
Canadian officials Carly Shaw-McLaren and Melissa Snedden have also been appointed as fourth official and reserve assistant referee respectively.
FULL LIST OF MATCH OFFICIALS
– Referee: Natalie Simon (USA)
– Assistant Referee 1: Katarzyna Wasiak (USA)
– Assistant Referee 2: Kali Smith (USA)
– Fourth Official: Carly Shaw-McLaren (Canada)
– Reserve Assistant Referee: Melissa Snedden (Canada)
The appointment sets the stage for a fiercely contested final as Nigeria’s Flamingos chase a historic triumph against their Japanese counterparts.
Nigeria will be aiming to become the first African nation to win the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, a landmark achievement that would further cement the country’s place among the leading forces in women’s football.
