Fifa

Honduran referee Said Martínez, who has drawn scrutiny for his decisions during the tournament, awaits FIFA's ruling on July 13 on whether he will continue officiating in the World Cup's final rounds.

Said Martinez, who became Honduras's first referee to lead a World Cup match, was excluded from FIFA's quarterfinal assignments after earlier appointments in group play and the round of 16, leaving his tournament fate uncertain.

U.S. authorities have declared unauthorized drones the top security threat at the 2026 World Cup, establishing strict no-fly zones around stadiums and training facilities with federal penalties including fines up to $100,000 and up to one year in prison.

Said Martínez will become the first Honduran to referee a World Cup match, taking charge of Qatar vs. Switzerland on June 13, with fellow Hondurans Walter López and Christian Ramírez serving as assistants.

FIFA has selected nine Central American referees—three main officials, five assistants, and a VAR specialist—for the 2026 World Cup, including Hondurans Héctor Said Martínez and Christian Ramírez and Walter López, recognizing the region's arbitration standards.