Who is the referee for Super Bowl 2026? All about officiating crew for Patriots vs. Seahawks matchup

As fans across the world tune in for Super Bowl LX which is the NFL’s biggest game of the year. Not only players but also the officiating crew also plays a key role in deciding how the game unfolds, as every call and non-call can have a big impact. The NFL has officially named the officials for the championship game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, and there are a few interesting facts you should know.The referee for Super Bowl 2026 will be Shawn Smith. This marks his first time serving as the lead referee in a Super Bowl, a big moment in his career. Smith has been officiating in the NFL since 2015, starting as an umpire before being promoted to referee in 2018.Smith will be at the centre of the action on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the Patriots and Seahawks will clash for the Lombardi Trophy. Although this is his first Super Bowl as referee, he is not new to big games. Over his career, he has worked multiple playoff games, including Wild Card, Divisional, and Conference Championship contests.Before being named Super Bowl referee, Smith served as an alternate referee in previous title games meaning he was part of the officials’ team but not the main referee on the field. His promotion to lead referee for Super Bowl LX is a sign of the league’s trust in his experience and leadership.Unlike most regular-season games, the Super Bowl officiating team is assembled from the top officials across the league, based on performance. Here’s the full list of officials who will work alongside Smith at Super Bowl LX:These officials have been selected as part of the NFL’s “All-Star” officiating group, which brings together top performers to ensure fairness and consistency on the biggest stage. Several of these officials have worked Super Bowls before, while others will be involved in their first title game.In addition to the main crew, the NFL also names alternate officials who are prepared to step in if needed. These include experienced referees and specialists covering various on-field and replay roles. Having alternates helps ensure the game runs smoothly, even in unusual situations.Super Bowl officiating always draws attention. Millions of viewers will be watching not only the players but also how the referees manage key moments, penalties and replay reviews. With Smith and his crew leading the way, the NFL hopes for a clear, fair and exciting championship game.As Super Bowl Sunday approaches, fans, players and analysts alike will be watching every detail because on football’s biggest night, even the officials are part of the story