FIFA-Badged Referee Emmanuel Mensah to Officiate 2026 World Cup Qualifier in Maputo

By: Benjamin Keibah

Emmanuel Mensah, the distinguished FIFA-badged referee celebrated for his recent role in the county meet final between River Gee and Lofa County, has been appointed to officiate a pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifier clash. Set to unfold at the Estádio Nacional do Zimpeto in Maputo, Mozambique, the match between Somalia and Botswana is slated for June 10th at 15:00 GMT.

This prestigious assignment underscores Mensah's ascent in the officiating realm, affirming his proficiency and caliber on the global stage. Accompanying him are FIFA-badged assistant referees Joel Doe and Ephraim Grant, alongside fourth official Hassan Corneh.

Meanwhile, Somalia confronts a logistical hurdle, lacking a FIFA and CAF-approved stadium for international fixtures. As a workaround, they will contest their home game against Mozambique in Maputo on June 7th before welcoming Botswana three days later.