A Calgary Official on the World Stage
Calgary referee Drew Fischer has been selected to officiate at the upcoming FIFA World Cup, marking one of the highest honours in international soccer officiating.
FIFA named 52 referees, 88 assistant referees and 30 video match officials from around 50 countries for the expanded 48-team tournament. Fischer will be part of that group, representing Canada on the global stage.
Canada Sends Three Officials
Fischer won’t be the only Canadian involved. Assistant referees Micheal Barwegen of Coaldale, Alberta, and Lyes Arfa of Laval, Quebec, were also selected.
That gives Canada three officials at the tournament a notable presence as the country prepares to co-host matches.
A Veteran With World Cup Experience
Fischer, 45, brings significant experience into the tournament. He has officiated more than 200 Major League Soccer matches since making his debut in 2012 and has been named MLS Referee of the Year twice.
He also served as a video assistant referee at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, including the semifinal, and has worked major international competitions such as the Women’s World Cup, Club World Cup and the Olympic Games.
What Comes Next
Final match assignments will be determined after a pre-tournament seminar in Miami beginning May 31.
The World Cup kicks off June 11, with matches hosted across Mexico, the United States and Canada. Canadian cities including Toronto and Vancouver are set to stage games as part of the tournament.
Why This Matters
For Canadian soccer, having officials selected at this level reflects growing credibility on the international stage not just for players and teams, but for the country’s officiating pipeline as well.
With Canada co-hosting the tournament, Fischer’s selection adds another layer of domestic representation at a global event.
Primary Source
FIFA: Official match officials appointment announcement for the FIFA World Cup 2026 (Published April 2026)
