What do referees wear in their ears during World Cup matches, and why?
Referees wear a wireless earpiece and microphone that connect them to the assistant referees, the fourth official and the VAR team. It lets the whole officiating crew talk during the match. New for 2026, referees also announce the outcome of VAR reviews to the crowd over the stadium speakers.
- 1The earpiece is part of a wireless referee communication system linking the whole officiating team[1]
- 2It connects the referee, two assistant referees, the fourth official and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR)[1]
- 3The system lets officials talk and ping signals instantly during play[1]
- 4For 2026, FIFA and IFAB approved referees announcing VAR decisions over the stadium PA after a review[2]
- 5IFAB has also trialled body-worn 'ref cams' for broadcast at recent FIFA events[2]
That little device in the referee's ear is not for music — it's a two-way radio.
What is it for?
A wireless communication system that ties the whole officiating crew together: the referee, the two assistant referees on the lines, the fourth official by the benches, and the VAR team in the video room.
How does it help during play?
With an earpiece and a small microphone, officials talk without stopping the game — an assistant flags offside, the fourth official relays a substitution, and VAR can say "check complete" or recommend a review. Many systems also send a buzz signal for loud stadiums.
What's new for 2026?
Transparency: after a VAR review the referee can announce the decision to the whole stadium over the PA system, borrowed from the NFL. IFAB has also tested referee body cameras.
This is exactly like the NFL, where the referee wears a microphone and announces penalties to the crowd, and like MLB and NBA crews who are miked up and now explain replay reviews. Soccer was late to it: for years fans just watched officials wait in silence. The 2026 stadium announcements finally bring soccer in line with the American norm of "tell the building what just happened."
- FIFA — Match officials and referee technology at FIFA tournaments(accessed 2026-06-13)
- IFAB — The IFAB AGM decisions: VAR announcements and body-camera trials(accessed 2026-06-13)