In a historic breakthrough for South Sudanese football, FIFA has appointed Mrs. Akon Paul Ben Deng as a referee assessor for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Namibia and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The match will be played on September 9, 2025, in Francistown, Botswana.
Mrs. Akon, the only South Sudanese woman currently accredited as a referee instructor at the continental level, will serve as assessor for an international officiating team from Niger.
The appointment marks the first time a woman from South Sudan has been selected for such a prestigious assignment, placing her in a small but growing circle of African officials shaping the game at the global stage.
Her recognition by FIFA underscores both her technical expertise and the growing role of South Sudanese referees in international footbal
Within the South Sudan Football Federation (SSFF), she remains the only woman serving as technical trainer and referee assessor, a role that has made her a mentor to younger referees across the country.
“This achievement by Mrs. Akon is a powerful inspiration for referees across South Sudan and the region,” said a regional football expert. “It proves that with commitment and professionalism, our officials can play a role on the world stage.”
Currently a CECAFA Technical Instructor and Assessor, Mrs. Akon’s journey reflects FIFA’s broader push for diversity and professionalism in refereeing.
Her appointment also highlights East and Central Africa’s steady rise in global football structures, where female officials are gaining increasing visibility.
For South Sudan, a country still developing its football institutions, the milestone carries symbolic weight. The 2026 World Cup qualifiers are being closely followed across Africa, and Mrs. Akon’s participation is expected to inspire more women to consider careers in refereeing and football management.
As South Sudanese fans continue to hope for greater representation in international competitions, Mrs. Akon’s role stands as a reminder that the country can contribute beyond the pitch.
Her assignment with FIFA is both a personal victory and a national step forward in showcasing South Sudanese talent at the world’s biggest football stage
