LANZAROTE REFEREE AT THE WORLD CUP

The tiny Canarian Island of Lanzarote will be represented at the World Cup 2026 by local boy Alejandro Hernández who is Spain’s sole referee at the competition.

The 43-year-old was born in Arrecife and made his Primera Liga debut in 2012/13 and since then has gone from strength to strength officiating many El Clásico games between Real Madrid and Barcelona as well as huge profile Champions League matches and is widely regarded as one of the best referees in the world.

The Conejero (local lad) has already been to a World Cup when he was part of Spain´s VAR team back in 2022 and will definitely be the leading official at least at one match but probably more during the competition.

FIFA only announces referee’s appointments match by match but he has been confirmed as the fourth official in Scotland’s opening match versus Haiti early Sunday morning.

One set back he may have is that he cannot be involved in any of Spain’s matches or games that can affect Spain. If Spain were to go out of the competition early then he could go all the way to the final but that is extremely unlikely to happen.

Alejandro on occasions referees some of Lanzarote´s pre season matches as a warm up to the season ahead. Undoubtedly, he will be returning to the Island of the Volcanos after the World Cup to relax and prepare for the season ahead.

On behalf of everybody in Lanzarote and lovers of the island we wish you a successful and memorable World Cup Alejandro.