The U.S. Soccer Refereeing Department would like to congratulate the 220 match officials across the country who were selected to attend 2026 National Match Official (NMO) Camp in Phoenix/Mesa, AZ.
This year’s camp will consist of two sessions at Arizona Athletic Grounds in Mesa, AZ:
- Camp 1: Saturday, January 1 – Tuesday, January 27
- Camp 2: Thursday, January 29 – Sunday, February 1
Over 350 experienced officials applied during the 2026 cycle, making the 2026 NMO pool one of the most competitive in recent history. Being chosen places these officials among the top 220 officials in the United States—an achievement earned through their strong commitment, professionalism, and performance.
This year’s process included extensive evaluation of applicants’ experience both on and off the field, along with careful review of all required application documents and evaluations. For the first time, the 2026 Selection Committee—consisting of members from USYS, NISOA, NCAA, PRO, and other affiliated bodies who dedicate extensive time to observing and supporting referees nationwide—also incorporated direct feedback from U.S. Soccer’s Talent Identification team and State Referee Committees (SRCs). These groups provide the most consistent and detailed assessments of your performance throughout the year, adding crucial insight and fairness to the decision-making process.
A full list of the 220 selected match officials can be found at THIS LINK.
For any officials seeking to reach the National level, the Refereeing Department recommends reviewing the “Checklist to Becoming a U.S. Soccer National Match Official”. This guide outlines many of the qualities discussed during this year’s selection process and can help you assess your strengths, identify areas for improvement, and chart your path toward the national level.
The U.S. Soccer Refereeing Department thanks all candidates who applied for 2026 NMO Camp. Being a part of this applicant pool demonstrates their capability and ambition to compete with some of the nation’s highest-performing officials. We hope to see officials across the country continue to reach higher in obtaining a position in the National Program and beyond.
