MBABANE – When a door closes, another one opens.
That is the story of Eswatini video assistant referee (VAR) Letticia Viana, who has been appointed to officiate in the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026 set for August 5–27.
The football nation was disappointed when the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) did not select Viana for the ongoing senior men’s FIFA World Cup, which is being hosted in Canada, Mexico and the United States of America (USA).
Hopes had been high following her attendance at a FIFA Video Match Officials seminar in Doha, Qatar, which was designed to equip referees for the global showpiece. However, when the list of officials for the senior tournament was revealed in April, Viana’s name was notably absent.
However, in football, as in life, persistence pays off. When the official list for the 2026 FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup was released on June 22, 2026, Viana’s name was prominently featured among the 14 elite video match officials (VMOs) selected for the tournament.
She will be representing the Confederation of African Football (CAF) alongside a distinguished group of fellow African officials, including referees Shamirah Nabadda from Uganda, Salima Mukansanga of Rwanda and Mauritius’ Maria Rivet .
Viana’s appointment is the latest peak in a career defined by trailblazing achievements and resilience. Her officiating journey began back in 2005 after she transitioned from playing for clubs such as Two for Joy and Mbabatane FC, following a recruitment by FIFA and Premier League referee Mandla Gama.
She quickly climbed the ranks in a male-dominated industry, becoming the first female referee to be promoted to the Premier League of Eswatini in 2007. By 2015, she became a FIFA-listed referee and holds the distinction of being the first liSwati to reach the CAF Elite A category.
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