Inside the World Cup referee camp: VAR debates and high-stakes training
A behind-the-scenes look at how match officials are preparing for the intensity of the 2026 World Cup in Miami.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / Author: Danilo Borges/ copa2014.gov.br Licença Creative Commons Atribuição 3.0 Brasil
Preparation for the 2026 World Cup requires more than just fitness; it involves intense tactical analysis and communication drills. Daily at their Miami base, FIFA’s chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina leads morning debriefs to assign matches and dissect critical decisions from the previous day’s group stage games.
At the Miami Dade College training site, officials participate in high-intensity sessions with local players coached to replicate specific national team styles. Following these drills, referees immediately undergo debriefs to refine their decision-making process, a level of scrutiny that sets the tournament apart from regular domestic league officiating.
The role of technology remains central to their preparation. During recent sessions, Collina challenged officials to analyze the controversial non-penalty call involving Kylian Mbappe and Sadio Mane. The exercise focused on the importance of the on-field referee’s interpretation when consulting with the VAR hub, ensuring that officials maintain the courage to make decisive calls on the pitch.
FIFA has curated every aspect of the officials' environment, from psychological support to strict social media restrictions. With the tournament progressing toward the knockout stages, Collina continues to maintain high standards, with the ultimate decision on who will officiate the July 19 final still pending as the field narrows.