2026 World Cup Playoffs: Moroccan referee to officiate Nigeria vs DR Congo final

Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed will take charge of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoffs final between Nigeria  and the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday.

Jayed who officiated the Super Eagles’ Matchday Five 2-0 win against the Amavubi of Rwanda in March will be the center referee at the Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex Stadium in Rabat, Morroco.

The 38-year-old will be assisted by his compatriots Mustapha Akarkad (first assistant referee), and Zakaria Bernissi (second assistant referee).

Mahrez El Malki of Tunisia will act as the fourth official, while the Video Assistant Referee); VAR duties will be lead by Lahlou Benbraham of Algeria and Tunisia’s Haitham Guirat.

The winner will qualify for the Intercontinental Playoffs, scheduled for the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey in March, 2026.