File photo: This is Omar Al-Ali’s first FIFA World Cup appearance.  | Photo Credit: Getty Images

New Zealand and Egypt are set to face off in both sides’ second FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G match on Sunday.

Both sides failed to win their previous games, with New Zealand drawing 2-2 to Iran and Egypt drawing 1-1 to Belgium. This means Group G still has all four teams on one point.

Notably, if this game ends with a win for either side, it will be their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory.

Who is the referee for New Zealand vs Egypt FIFA World Cup 2026 match?

The referee for New Zealand vs Egypt FIFA World Cup 2026 match has been announced as Emirati official Omar Al-Ali.

Al-Ali made his debut in the UAE Pro League in 2014 and became a regular official in the league. A year after his debut, he was recognised by the Asian Football Confederation, refereeing an international friendly between Iraq and DR Congo in March 2015.

This is set to be Al-Ali’s first FIFA World Cup appearance. He will become only the second Emirati to take central refereeing duties in a FIFA World Cup match after Ali Bujsaim, who refereed at the 1994, 1998, and 2002 World Cups.

In his career so far, the 38-year-old has taken charge of 219 games, issuing 847 yellow cards (average 3.87 per match) and 70 red cards (average 0.32 per match).

Arguably, Al-Ali’s most notable game of his career so far has been the 2023/24 AFC Cup final, where Central Coast Mariners defeated Al-Ahed 1-0. He has also refereed one group stage game at the most recent AFC Asian Cup.

Full list of referee/match officials for New Zealand vs Egypt

• Referee: Omar Al-Ali
• Assistant Referee 1: Mohamed Al-Hammadi
• Assistant Referee 2: Taleb Al-Marri
• 4th Official: Kevin Ortega
• Reserve Assistant Referee: Michael Orue

Published on Jun 22, 2026