An African referee trio to officiate Real Madrid – Salzburg

The FIFA Club World Cup clash between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg will be officiated by an all-African refereeing team.

The match is set for Friday, June 27, 2025, at 01:00 GMT at Lincoln Financial Field Stadium. At stake: top spot in the group and a ticket to the Club World Cup Round of 16. Madrid and Salzburg are level on points. Every detail will matter in this high-stakes encounter.

To oversee this decisive showdown between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg, FIFA has entrusted a trio from the continent. Beida Dahane (Mauritania) will take charge as the central referee, with Jerson Santos (Angola) and Stephen Yiembe (Kenya) as assistants. This appointment is a testament to the growing reputation of African refereeing on the world stage.

The African trio will need to be flawless. The pressure will be immense. But their selection is clear proof that African officials have earned international credibility.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr