Kasimu Abdulsalam selected for 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar

Nigerian referee Kasimu Abdulsalam has been chosen by FIFA to officiate at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.

The tournament will be held from 19 November to 13 December, with Abdulsalam included among the 81 match officials appointed for the competition.

He is one of four centre referees selected from Africa. FIFA has also named eight assistant referees from the continent to take part in the tournament.

Abdulsalam has previously officiated at the Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, including the 2023 and 2026 editions. His appointment to the FIFA U-17 World Cup marks another significant step in his refereeing career.

Qatar will host the tournament, but Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will not be involved after failing to qualify for a second successive edition.