What it takes to be chosen as a World Cup referee - and how to ref the final

Fifty-two referees, 88 assistant referees, and 30 video assistant referees (VARs) have been selected for this year's World Cup. This 170-strong contingent is the largest in World Cup history, coinciding with an expanded format featuring a record 48 teams and 104 matches. The officials represent 50 FIFA member nations across all continental confederations, with eight from the United States. Among them are six women, following FIFA's historic inclusion of female referees at the last edition in Qatar.

A Somali referee slated for the showpiece was denied entry to the US due to "vetting concerns." A record three red cards were brandished in the opening game. In China, fans are rallying behind one referee as the country's sole representative after the national team failed to qualify. Leif Lindberg, an assistant referee at the 2002 final, stated, "Every one of us was dreaming about officiating the World Cup." He also noted, "Most referees have been through at least one divorce," and "Many sacrifice family life in one way or another."