Riyadh: Saudi referees Khalid Al-Turais and Mohammed Al-Abkari described their appointment to officiate the Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a national honor and a reflection of the remarkable progress of Saudi refereeing on the international stage.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Al-Turais said the selection was a source of immense pride and the result of years of rigorous preparation, including advanced physical, technical, and VAR training under FIFA and the AFC. He noted that the milestone crowns a journey that began in Saudi football and progressed through top domestic and Asian competitions.

Al-Abakri expressed his pride in representing Saudi Arabia alongside the world's elite referees, emphasizing that reaching the World Cup required years of dedication, development programs, and continuous support. He added that the achievement highlights the growing stature of Saudi referees and hoped it would inspire future generations to reach football's biggest stage.