37-YEAR-OLD GLENN NYBERG TO OFFICIATE GHANA VS PANAMA IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP 

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike)

• FIFA appointment committee has selected Swedish Referee Glenn Nyberg to officiate the Ghana and Panama match, Day 1 game of Group L of the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Toronto Stadium.

• Nyberg was born on October 12, 1988, in Säter, Sweden. He has been on the FIFA list of international referees since 2016.

• Refereeing career:

• Nyberg started refereeing professionally in 2008 and has been refereeing games in the Swedish Allsvenskan since 2013.

• He officiated the June 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup Final between Uruguay and Italy, and his first senior FIFA World Cup match assignment is the 2026 edition of the tournament.

• Nyberg is known for his meticulous refereeing style and his focus on mentoring future referees, running a training club, and advising young officials.

• During April 2024, the appointment committee of UEFA handed him the quarter-final stage game of the Champions League between Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Nyberg was involved in a controversial decision by not awarding a penalty for a deliberate handball by Gabriel Magalhaes, leading to criticism from Thomas Tuchel, manager of Bayern Munich.

• In the 2024 Euro, Nyberg officiated the match between Albania and Spain, and he displayed his increasing presence in senior national team competitions.

• Nyberg was appointed to officiate the UEFA Champions League group stage game between Real Madrid and RB Salzburg on January 22, 2025.

• Nyberg will be the second Swedish Referee to have officiated Ghana games and the first Swedish Referee to officiate a Panama game at the FIFA World Cup.

• Personal life: 

• Nyberg has worked in various jobs, such as a warehouse worker and supply teacher, before becoming a referee. Nyberg's father was an assistant referee, and his brother and his two sisters are assistant referees in the Swedish league.