FIFA has appointed 14 match officials from Trinidad and Tobago and six from Guyana to its international referees panel for 2026, highlighting regional growth in elite officiating. The Trinidad and Tobago Football Association praised the milestone as a testament to disciplined development programs. Guyana's federation marked the occasion with a ceremony honoring the officials' achievements.
FIFA confirmed the appointments on January 6, underscoring Trinidad and Tobago's reputation as a producer of high-caliber referees. The list includes seven referees: Timothy Derry, Cecile Hinds, Nikolai Nyron, Andrew Samuel, Crystal Sobers, Kwinsi Williams, and Nathalya Williams. They are joined by seven assistant referees: Kirt Charles, Evelyn Carissa Douglas, Keron Myers, Melissa Nicholas, Shash Ramsaroop, Ainsley Rochard, and Caleb Wales. Wales brings distinction with his experience officiating at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) President Kieron Edwards hailed the selections in a statement. "This is a proud moment for TT football. Our match officials continue to earn respect regionally and internationally through their discipline, preparation and commitment to excellence," Edwards said. He added, "These appointments don’t come by chance. They are the result of years of sacrifice, development and steady improvement."
In Guyana, the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) held a ceremony at its Georgetown secretariat to present 2026 FIFA badges to six officials, attended by Vice President Dion Inniss, General Secretary Pushpargha Chattopadhyay, and CONCACAF Technical Instructor Natasha Lewis. The appointees are referee Shavin Greene, assistant referees Kleon Lindey and Brandon Cyrus, female referee Kenisha Prescott, female assistant referee Denisha Isaacs, and futsal referee Colin Abel.
Prescott earns her first appointment after standout performances, including at the 2023 CFU Girls’ Challenge Series and 2025 assignments in CONCACAF U-15 Girls’ Championship and CFU U-14 Girls’ Challenge Series. Isaacs secures her fourth term, having officiated a senior men’s international in December 2025. Lindey marks 12 consecutive years, Greene his fourth with a CONCACAF Tier 2 promotion, and Abel continues since 2023 with key futsal matches.
The GFF emphasized its commitment to the 'FIFA Forward' philosophy, noting the badges as success from reforms in referee education and fitness. These appointments position Caribbean officials to contribute prominently in the 2026 international calendar, including futsal and women's disciplines.
