How things go on the ground will also depend on how they are supervised. Part-time actor, supermarket owner, maths teacher — the referees come from different backgrounds. Ayantan Chowdhury lines up the men whose performance also matters.
AFC: 5
Alireza Faghani (Iran), Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan), Mohammed Abdulla Mohamed (UAE), Ryuji Sato (Japan), Nawaf Abdulla Shukralla (Bahrain).
CAF: 6
Medhi Abid Sharef (Algeria), Malang Diedhiou (Senegal), Bakary Papa Gassama (Gambia), Ghead Grisha (Egypt), Janny Sigazwe (Zambia), Bamlak Tessema Wayesa (Ethiopa).
CONCACAF: 6
Joel Aguilar (El Salvador), Mark Geiger (USA), Jair Marrufo (USA), Ricardo Montero (Costa Rica), John Pitti (Panama), Cesar Arturo Ramos Palazuelos (Mexico).
UEFA: 10
Felix Brych (Germany), Cuneyt Cakir (Turkey), Sergey Karasev (Russia), Bjorn Kuipers (Netherlands), Szymon Marciniak (Poland), Antonio Miguel Mateu Lahoz (Spain), Milorad Mazic (Serbia), Gianluca Rocchi (Italy), Damir Skomina (Slovenia), Clement Turpin (France).
CONMEBOL: 6
Julio Bascunan (Chile), Enrique Caceres (Paraguay), Andres Cunha (Uruguay), Nestor Pitana (Argentina), Sandro Ricci (Brazil), Wilmar Roldan (Colombia).
OFC: 2
Matthew Conger (New Zealand), Norbert Hauata (Tahiti).
In a fix
Fahad Al-Mirdasi of Saudia Arabia was set to fly to Russia. The country's football federation banned him for life for a match-fixing attempt.
Youngest at 32
Ricardo Montero of Costa Rica, 32, will be the youngest referee at the tournament. Cesar Arturo Ramos is the second youngest.
'Doctor' at work
Felix Brych is a German referee. He holds the title of “doctor” for his doctorate in law, writing his dissertation on sports.
No Englishmen
No English referee will be at the World Cup for the first time since 1938. Englandhave provided the most officials for the showpiece.
Tahiti's flag-bearer
Tahiti, one of the tiniest nations in the world, is also sending an official. A labourer, he will be officiating in his second WC.
While there will be as many as 35 referees in the Russia World Cup, a few stand out with interesting backgrounds. Here’s a look at a few of them...
Ravshan Irmatov
The Uzbek has officiated the most World Cup matches. The 40-year-old started after an an injury ended his playing career. “My father was in charge of a youth team and I was helping him. During a game, the referee didn't arrive. My father gave me a whistle," he recalls.
Mark Geiger
After studying teaching at Trenton State College, he became a maths teacher in New Jersey, a role he gave up to become full-time referee. While at the high school, Geiger was among 103 recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching in 2010. Became the first American to officiate in knockout round in 2014.
Nestor Pitana
Believe it or not, he used to be an actor. The Argentine’s film credits include a blink-and-you-miss role in La Furia (The Fury). Has a physique better suited to the wrestling arena, and is a PE trainer, who also teaches gymnastics.
Bjorn Kuipers
Son of an amateur referee, the Dutchman was often seen on the sidelines, accompanying his father. After losing interest in playing, Kuipers followed in his dad’s footsteps. His life is not all about football, as he enrolled into Radboud University Nijmegen to study business administration. Today, he co-owns many supermarkets, as well as a hair studio back in his hometown.
Antonio Mateu Lahoz
The Spaniard is one of the quirkiest. From his entry to stadiums like a rock ‘n’ roll star, complete with designer shades to thumbs-up and winks for fans. Shares great camaraderie with players. Style of officiating is unique with a lot of hand gestures and he likes being the centre of attention. Regularly appears on the TV programme ‘El Día Después’. This will be his first WC appearance.
FIFA has introduced a 3-step process to control racist chants
Warming up
After names were announced, referees attended a two-week preparatory camp in Coverciano, Italy.
They have to maintain fitness standards, meet dietary requirements and stay up to date with the laws of the game.
Caught in the act
An undercover investigation revealed assistant referee Aden Range Marwa of accepting bribes. In a video he was seen accepting around $600 from an undercover journalist posing as an official. Marwa quit his World Cup duties after the scandal gained publicity.