The Azzurri failed to qualify for the third consecutive edition of the World Cup, although there will still be some Italian interest in the tournament.
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That includes Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti, Turkiye coach Vincenzo Montella and Uzbekistan coach Fabio Cannavaro.
Italian referee Mariani at the 2026 World Cup
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 8: Referee Maurizio Mariani talks to Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Genoa CFC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on January 8, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, referee Mariani has been chosen from the Italian selection of referees to be part of the team.
Di Bello is also included, but will play the VMO role, meaning he will be in the VAR booth and not on the pitch.
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Assistant referees Daniele Bindoni and Alberto Tegoni will also go to the World Cup.
There are 52 referees in total taking part in the tournament, which is bigger than ever with over 100 matches played across three countries.
This includes 15 officials from Europe chosen by another Italian, FIFA refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina.
“This year’s FIFA World Cup will be the largest ever, with a 48-team lineup and 104 matches taking place across the largest geographic footprint in the tournament’s history,” Collina said.
ROME, ITALY – MAY 14: Referee Maurizio Mariani reacts during the Coppa Italia final match between AC Milan and Bologna at Stadio Olimpico on May 14, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
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“It will be the largest FIFA Team One of all time, with 41 more referees than in Qatar 2022. Each of them must be prepared to be appointed for a match and actively contribute to making refereeing at the World Cup a success.
“The fact that six female referees have been selected continues a trend that began four years ago in Qatar, as we aim to continue developing women’s refereeing.”
The group of officials will meet in Miami for a 10-day preparation seminar starting May 31, then the VAR team will travel to Dallas.