Omar Al Ali officiated the World Cup match between Egypt and New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver on June 21, 2026, in his first tournament as a referee. He was one of 52 officials selected for the 48-team competition and one of eight representing Asia.
The game ended 3-1 to Egypt, with goals from Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah, and Mahmoud Trezeguet — the Pharaohs’ first World Cup victory in four appearances. Al Ali allowed the match to flow, drawing praise for his decision-making amid high-tempo play. New Zealand opened the scoring through a Finn Surman header, but Egypt protested that a foul preceded the corner. Video review showed physical contact by Michael Boxall, yet VAR official Mohamed Obaid Khadim did not recommend a review, and the goal stood.
UAE officials support match integrity
Mohamed Al Hammadi served as assistant referee alongside Al Ali, while Mohamed Obaid Khadim monitored play from the VAR control room. All three were making their World Cup debuts. A second key moment came in the second half when New Zealand substitute Ben Old was brought down near the corner flag. No foul was called, and Old’s shorts were torn in the challenge, forcing him off to change. The ball was quickly played forward, leading to Salah’s second goal. Khadim again did not intervene, and the goal was upheld.
While Egypt questioned the validity of New Zealand’s opening goal, the Kiwis had little grounds for complaint over their own equaliser. Al Ali’s handling of both incidents reflected the new World Cup rules allowing VAR intervention only for clear fouls by the attacking team before a goal. The Emirati team’s collective performance marked a quiet but significant milestone for UAE officiating on the global stage.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Omar Al Ali and which World Cup match did he referee?
Omar Al Ali is an Emirati referee who officiated the World Cup match between Egypt and New Zealand at BC Place in Vancouver on 21 June 2026, marking his first tournament appearance.
What was the final score of the Egypt vs New Zealand match that Omar Al Ali refereed?
Egypt won the match 3-1 against New Zealand, with goals from Mostafa Zico, Mohamed Salah, and Mahmoud Trezeguet.
Which UAE officials assisted Omar Al Ali during the Egypt-New Zealand game?
UAE officials Mohamed Al Hammadi served as assistant referee and Mohamed Obaid Khadim operated as the VAR, both making their World Cup debuts alongside Al Ali.
Did VAR intervene in any of the goals during the Egypt-New Zealand match?
No VAR intervention occurred; Mohamed Obaid Khadim did not recommend a review for either the opening New Zealand goal or Egypt's second goal, so both stood.
How many Asian referees were selected for the 2026 World Cup and was Omar Al Ali among them?
Eight officials represented Asia among the 52 selected for the 48-team tournament, and Omar Al Ali was one of those Asian referees.
