They’re called ref cams or referee body cameras, not glasses. FIFA has been using small head- or body-mounted cameras on referees to show a first- person view for broadcasts, including at the 2026 World Cup where they’re used in all 104 matches.

What they are

The camera is a compact broadcast camera attached to the referee’s gear, usually around the head or upper body, so it can capture the match from the official’s point of view. It’s meant for live viewing and replay, not as a judging tool by itself.

Why people notice them

From the stands, they can look like futuristic headgear or “camera glasses,” especially when combined with the referee’s microphone and earpiece. That’s why social posts and headlines often describe them as odd-looking head equipment rather than plain cameras.

Simple name to use

If you’re trying to describe them accurately, say:

  • referee camera.
  • ref cam.
  • referee body camera.

TL;DR: They’re ref cams , a small camera mounted on the referee’s head or body to give viewers a first-person broadcast angle.