Local referee Michael Barwegen reflects on World Cup journey

By Patrick Wachter
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Reaching the pinnacle of international soccer officiating requires years of dedication, and for Lethbridge soccer referee Michael Barwegen, the journey culminated on the global stage.

Barwegen, who grew up in Coaldale, recently completed a 46-day assignment at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where he served as an assistant referee and reserve official across several high-profile tournament fixtures.

His path to the tournament spanned more than a decade. Barwegen joined the Canadian national referee program in 2012 before earning a nomination to the FIFA international list in 2018. Over the past four years, he worked alongside fellow Canadian officials in major competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.

During the World Cup, Barwegen officiated group stage matches in Philadelphia between France and Iraq, as well as Croatia and Ghana. He also took the pitch for a round of 32 match between Argentina and Cape Verde in Miami, in addition to reserve official duties for an Argentina and Switzerland quarterfinal.

“There is no short track to doing that,” Barwegen said of the four-year selection cycle. “To be considered in the World Cup, you have to be operating at the top level of your country.”

Following more than six weeks based at tournament headquarters in Florida, Barwegen returned home to southern Alberta after fulfilling a major career milestone.