‘Inspirational’ Northamptonshire referee selected for FIFA World Cup 2026
An ‘inspirational’ Northamptonshire referee has been selected to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Stuart Burt has been appointed to officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Mexico and Canada, Northamptonshire FA has announced.
The Northamptonshire assistant referee, who began officiating local youth football in the county as a teenager, will be part of the team of match officials at this summer’s tournament after a career spanning the Premier League, UEFA competitions and international football.
Reacting to the appointment online, Stuart said: “Thank you to every single referee who has supported me during my career, for the guidance the help, there are many names that it would be an injustice to start listing them.
“Within the county I have had many inspirational colleagues who have since retired, Rich Beeby, Pete Walton, Peter Kirkup, who got to the very very top level but I have had as inspirational colleagues who I now count as friends that have pushed me and challenged me to achiever this truly inspirational honour.
“There are many within the Northamptonshire Football Association I would honestly love to thank also for the early support and guidance, to the current team who do such an inspiring job creating the next generation.
“I am proud to represent the ‘Shoe Army’ in Northampton Referees and am grateful for all of you who have sent well wishes.
“I go with ambition and pride to be from the amazing county we reside and am eternally grateful for all of you as you are the people that keep pushing me to be a better version of myself.”
He added: “If you read this thinking something is impossible, never stop believing as when I was that 16 year old kid, I was shy, nervous and lacked confidence, if you want to achieve something, believe, work hard and dream. One day it may just become real.”
Northamptonshire FA paid tribute to Stuart and said his appointment “places him among an elite group of match officials from across the globe”.
A Northants FA spokesman said: “Stuart’s story highlights the incredible opportunities available through refereeing. From grassroots football to international tournaments, the pathway is there for those with dedication, resilience, and passion for the game.
“Everyone at Northamptonshire FA would like to extend their heartfelt congratulations to Stuart on this outstanding achievement. His success is a testament not only to his hard work and talent but also to the strength of refereeing within our county.
“We wish Stuart every success at the FIFA World Cup and look forward to watching him represent Northamptonshire on the global stage.”
The FA said his refereeing career started at the age of 16 after taking a refereeing course while still at school, before progressing through local grassroots football, the United Counties League, Southern League and eventually the English Football League and Premier League.
His career achievements include officiating in more than 500 Premier League matches, FA Cup Finals in 2012 and 2021, EFL Cup Finals in 2013 and 2017, UEFA Super Cup Finals in 2014 and 2022, as well as UEFA EURO 2020 and EURO 2024 appointments.
Northamptonshire FA added: “His journey from school pitches and local youth leagues to the world’s biggest tournaments serves as a powerful inspiration to referees across the county and beyond.”