Kuwait vs Iraq: Elite Refereeing Team Announced for High-Stakes Clash

The excitement is building as the football world anticipates the intense showdown between Kuwait vs Iraq. Scheduled to take place at the prestigious Prince Abdullah Al-Faisal Stadium in Jeddah, this match is set to be a masterclass in regional rivalry and athletic skill.

To ensure the highest standards of fairness and professionalism, the Gulf Football Association’s referees committee has officially revealed the officiating crew selected for this critical encounter. With a high-profile match on the line, the appointment of a seasoned veteran in the middle is paramount.

Spotlight on the Man in the Middle: Jalal Jaid

The committee has entrusted the match to the renowned Moroccan international referee, Jalal Jaid. Born in Casablanca in 1987, Jaid has rapidly ascended the ranks of global officiating since receiving his international badge in 2019.

Jaid is widely regarded as one of the premier referees in both Africa and the Arab world. His impressive resume includes:

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• Proven Track Record: Participation in the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 and 2025.

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• Global Recognition: Selection as a referee for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.

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• Historic Milestone: He recently equaled the legendary record of the late Said Belqola by officiating three matches as the center referee in a single tournament.

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The Full Officiating Lineup

A match of this magnitude requires a cohesive team of experts. The officials assigned to the Kuwait vs Iraq clash bring a blend of Moroccan precision and European experience:

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• Main Referee: Jalal Jaid (Morocco)

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• First Assistant: Zakaria Brinsi (Morocco)

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• Second Assistant: Mustafa Akarkad (Morocco)

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• Video Assistant Referee (VAR): Hamza Al-Farq (Morocco)

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• Fourth Official: Danny Makkelie (Netherlands)

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• VAR Assistant: Arwin Blank (Netherlands)

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• Referee Observer: Ali Al-Samahiji (Bahrain)

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The inclusion of Dutch officials Danny Makkelie and Arwin Blank adds a layer of international expertise to the technical side of the game, ensuring that the VAR system operates with absolute precision.

Stay Ahead of the Game

For football enthusiasts, the tension of a Kuwait vs Iraq match is unmatched. Whether you are tracking live results, analyzing team standings, or following the latest match schedules, having access to real-time data is essential.

As we approach kickoff in Jeddah, all eyes will be on the pitch to see how these two giants clash under the guidance of one of the world’s most respected officiating teams.