Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago may not have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the region will still have representation at football’s biggest stage through its match officials.

Jamaican referee Oshane Nation and Trinidad and Tobago assistant referee Caleb Wales have been selected among 170 match officials for the tournament.

Nation is among 52 referees chosen for the expanded competition, while Wales is one of 88 assistant referees named.

In announcing the appointments, FIFA said selections were made based on its long-standing “quality first” principle, with consideration given to the consistency of performances at FIFA tournaments, as well as in international and domestic competitions in recent years.

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and chairman of the Referees Committee, Pierluigi Collina, said the selected officials represent the best in the world.

“The selected match officials are the very best in the world. They were part of a wider pool of officials that was identified and monitored over the past three years. They have attended seminars and officiated at FIFA tournaments,” he said.

Collina added that performances in domestic and international matches were regularly assessed, and officials have received support from fitness coaches, medical staff, physiotherapists and a mental specialist to ensure they are in optimal condition for the tournament.

He noted that the upcoming World Cup will feature the largest group of match officials ever.

“It’ll be the largest FIFA Team One ever, with 41 more match officials than at Qatar 2022. Each of them must be ready to be appointed for a match and to contribute actively to ensuring that the refereeing at the World Cup is a success,” Collina said.

He also highlighted that six women match officials have been selected, continuing a trend started at the previous World Cup.

During the tournament, match officials will undergo daily training sessions, including participation from local players, while match analysts will provide detailed information to help them prepare for games.

Collina said technology will continue to play a key role in assisting referees, including the use of goal-line technology, an advanced version of semi-automated offside technology and connected ball technology.

He added that, for the first time, fans will be able to view matches from the referee’s on-field perspective using new technology.

Meanwhile, the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) has congratulated Wales on his appointment, describing it as another milestone for local football.

The association said his selection follows a rigorous three-year evaluation process conducted by FIFA, which assessed officials on performance, consistency and excellence at both international and domestic levels.

It also noted that Wales previously served as an assistant referee at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.

TTFA President Kieron Edwards praised Wales for his achievement.

“On behalf of the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association, I extend heartfelt congratulations to Caleb Wales on this remarkable achievement. To be selected once again for the FIFA World Cup is a testament to his professionalism, dedication, and consistent excellence at the highest level of the game,” he said.

Edwards added that Wales’ success brings pride to the country and serves as inspiration to referees and the wider football community.