South African Match Official Selected for 2026 FIFA World Cup While AFCON Final Referee Is Overlooked

Tom is set to make his debut as a referee at the World Cup, whereas the seasoned Siwela will mark his third appearance after serving as an assistant in the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

Born in Cape Town and now 34 years old, Tom is considered the leading official in the Premier Soccer League and has held FIFA referee status since 2020.

He handled matches at the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the quarter final between the eventual winners Senegal and Mali back in January.

The World Cup roster does not include Jean Jacques Ndala from DR Congo, the referee for the contentious Africa Cup of Nations final pitting Senegal against Morocco, whose calls faced widespread backlash.

Tom now follows in the footsteps of previous South African referees such as Ian McLeod in 1998, Jerome Damon in 2010, and Victor Gomes in 2022 at the World Cup.