South Africa’s whistle goes global: Abongile Tom and Zakhele Siwela booked for the 2026 World Cup

Referee Abongile Tom and assistant referee Zakhele Siwela have been confirmed on FIFA’s final list of match officials for the 2026 World Cup. Their selection is a major milestone for South African officiating—and a reminder that the tournament’s standard won’t be set by players alone.