MIES (Switzerland) – As preparations continue for Berlin's tip‑off in September, FIBA has released the Long List of 38 referees nominated to officiate the event. This initial nomination is the first step in ensuring the games are managed by a quality group of referees.
The Long List of Referees for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 includes:
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Jacquiline Dover (AUS) | James Griguol (AUS) | Ruben Woolcock (AUS) | Alan dos Santos (BRA) |
Nicolas Zivieri (BRA) | Ventsislav Velikov (BUL) | Waseem Husainy (CAN) | Maripier Malo (CAN) |
Yijie Gao (CHN) | Jian Sun (CHN) | Carlos Velez (COL) | Carlos Peralta (ECU) |
Ariadna Chueca (ESP) | Mihkel Männiste (EST) | Yohan Rosso (FRA) | Ioannis Agrafiotis (GRE) |
Orlando Varela (HON) | Péter Praksch (HUN) | Takaki Kato (JPN) | Yevgeniy Mikheyev (KAZ) |
Kyoungjin Park (KOR) | Gatis Salins (LAT) | Yann Davidson (MAD) | Natasa Dragojevic (MNE) |
Viola Györgyi (NOR) | Martin Davison (NZL) | Julio Anaya (PAN) | Paulina Gajdosz (POL) |
Wojciech Liszka (POL) | Julirys Guzman (PUR) | Arnold Moseya (RSA) | Jean Sauveur Ruhamiriza (RWA) |
Chuen Wing Leong (SGP) | Boris Krejic (SLO) | Petar Pesic (SRB) | Cisil Güngör (TUR) |
Aline García (URU) | Blanca Burns (USA) |
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A final list of 28 referees will be selected at the end of the process to officiate the flagship event in Germany. To ensure everyone is ready, the group will participate in a 12-week online Pre-Competition Program. This period focuses on practical preparation through video reviews and communication drills to stay aligned with current rules.
The process concludes with a three-day Pre-Competition Camp held on-site in Berlin just before the opening tip-off, giving the referees time to practice together as a team to fine-tune the details.
This selection highlights FIBA's commitment to maintaining a high standard of officiating through consistent performance. By pairing experienced international referees with younger talents, FIBA aims to ensure a professional approach and quality for the players and fans in Berlin.
The Draw for the Women's World Cup 2026 will take place on April 21 in Berlin, alongside the FIBA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 enshrinement ceremony.
FIBA