Moroccan referee Jalal Jayed has been appointed by FIFA to oversee Sunday’s high-stakes 2026 World Cup playoffs final between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Jayed is a familiar face to the Super Eagles. He handled Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Rwanda in March and also officiated the team’s 2–1 friendly win against archrivals Ghana in Marrakech in 2024.
The 38-year-old will be supported by Moroccan assistants Mustapha Akarkad (first assistant referee) and Zakaria Bernissi (second assistant referee). Tunisia’s Mahrez El Malki has been designated as the fourth official.
VAR duties will be handled by Algeria’s Lahlou Benbraham, assisted by Tunisia’s Haitham Guirat.
The decisive encounter will take place at the Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan Sports Complex in Rabat.
The winner of Sunday’s clash will advance to the Intercontinental Playoffs scheduled for March 2026 in the Mexican cities of Guadalajara and Monterrey.
