BY TENGETILE MWALI
MBABANE – Eswatini has received a major boost in international football after experienced referee Letticia Viana was selected as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Viana will officiate at the prestigious global tournament scheduled to take place in United States, Canada and Mexico in 2026. The upcoming competition will mark the first time in history that the tournament is jointly hosted by three countries and will also introduce an expanded format featuring 48 teams.
Her appointment represents a significant milestone for Eswatini football and highlights the growing recognition of the country’s officials on the international stage.
Viana has recently gained continental recognition after officiating in major competitions, including the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, which further strengthened her reputation as one of Africa’s most respected match officials.
Her selection to the World Cup officiating panel demonstrates her continued rise in international refereeing and reflects the confidence placed in her abilities by global football authorities.
Notably, Viana is the only official from Southern Africa included in the current list of African referees selected for the tournament. Her appointment is regarded as a proud moment not only for her personal career but also for the development of football officiating in Eswatini.
The list of centre referees from Africa selected for the tournament includes Mustapha Ghorbal, Jean Jacques Ndala, Amin Omar, Pierre Ghislain Atcho and Dahane Beida.
Meanwhile, the Video Assistant Referees selected from Africa include Lahlou Benbraham, Mahmoud Ashour and Viana.
Her achievement is expected to inspire young referees in Eswatini and across Southern Africa, showing that officials from smaller football nations can reach the highest levels of the game through dedication, professionalism and consistent performance.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide and will bring together the best teams, players and officials from across the globe in one of the world’s most celebrated sporting events.
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