Appointments of match officials at 2026 FIFA World Cup, Semifinals.
Match #101
Semifinals
14 July 2026, 21:00 CET
AT&T Stadium, Arlington
FRANCE - SPAIN
Referee: Ivan Barton SLV
Assistant Referee 1: David Moran SLV
Assistant Referee 2: Antonio Pupiro NCA
Fourth Official: Glenn Nyberg SWE
Reserve AR: Mahbod Beigi SWE
Video Assistant Referee: Tomasz Kwiatkowski POL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Guillermo Pacheco MEX
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : Guillermo Pacheco MEX
Standby Video Assistant Referee: : Leodan Gonzalez URU
Standby Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Ivan Bebek CRO
Match #102
Semifinals
15 July 2026, 21:00 CET
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
ENGLAND - ARGENTINA
Referee:
Assistant Referee 1:
Assistant Referee 2:
Fourth Official:
Reserve AR:
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Standby Video Assistant Referee: :
Standby Assistant Video Assistant Referee:
BARTON 👏
ReplyDeleteRemaining referees for the tournament:
ReplyDelete(AFC)
🇦🇺 Alireza Faghani
🇯🇴 Adham Makhadmeh
(CAF)
🇲🇦 Jalal Jayed
(CONCACAF)
🇸🇻 Ivan Barton
🇺🇸 Ismail Elfath
(CONMEBOL)
🇻🇪 Jesús Valenzuela
🇧🇷 Wilton Sampaio
(UEFA)
🇳🇴 Espen Eskås
🇵🇱 Szymon Marciniak
🇮🇹 Maurizio Mariani
🇸🇪 Glenn Nyberg
🇵🇹 João Pinheiro
🇸🇮 Slavko Vinčić
Said Martinez from Honduras is also available from Concacaf
DeleteHappy for Barton that he got the 2nd biggest match of the WORLD CUP, but slightly sad he wasn't given the finals as he has been the best referee in my view. Probably an age thing - and he will be one of the favourites for the next edition.
ReplyDeleteBarton can be proud of his efforts - thoroughly well deserved
Remaining referees for the tournament:
ReplyDelete(AFC)
🇦🇺 Alireza Faghani
🇯🇴 Adham Makhadmeh
(CAF)
🇲🇦 Jalal Jayed
(CONCACAF)
🇸🇻 Ivan Barton
🇺🇸 Ismail Elfath
(CONMEBOL)
🇻🇪 Jesús Valenzuela
🇧🇷 Wilton Sampaio
(UEFA)
🇳🇴 Espen Eskås
🇵🇱 Szymon Marciniak
🇮🇹 Maurizio Mariani
🇸🇪 Glenn Nyberg
🇵🇹 João Pinheiro
🇸🇮 Slavko Vinčić
But why are you leaving István Kovács out of the discussion? He's there too.
DeleteNo, he has probably packed his bags and waiting for his flight to Bucharest
DeleteWhile I can be pleased with the appointment of the referee from El Salvador, on the other, however, it once again shows how these dynamics always work. It was difficult to imagine him being selected for the Final, given the other candidates and the fact that his football association simply can't be compared with some of the bigger ones. As a result, the very big appointment is out of reach for him.
ReplyDeleteHe could be considered for the Final on next WC, but of course nobody knows what will happen by then. So many things can change, circumstances evolve, careers take unexpected turns, and that opportunity may never come again.
At the same time, the referee who will be appointed for the Final will probably not have performed better than he has. Unfortunately, that is often how things work. However, even a semifinal appointment was not sure, so I am genuinely very happy for him.
The same story has happened with referees like Ravshan Irmatov and later Alireza Faghani, both of whom were seen as future World Cup Final referees in subsequent editions, but still that opportunity never materialized.
Agree but Faghani has a chance this year, what do you think?
Delete+ Cümeyt Çakır
Delete¿The appointment for a match of great importance is beyond his reach?Isn't a World Cup semifinal a match of great importance?
DeleteAlso knew he wasn't going to officiate ARG V ENG because fifa need to find a puppet that match and they know Barton will be hard to control and will like referee fairly
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteThey will probably give it for Elfath or Mariani (maybe Valenzuela too). And if this guy is able to do what FIFA wants from him, then they need another puppet for ARG final.
DeleteI am very happy for Barton. I suspect he wasn't assigned to the final match because of his age; otherwise, he absolutely deserved to officiate it. Being at this level at 34 is an incredible achievement.
ReplyDeleteWho do we think was the biggest “disappointment” of this WC?
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion: Dahane Beida, knowing his CV, I would’ve expected at least 3 games by him…
(I think we all can agree that Makhadmeh was the biggest surprise)
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteTantashev was the biggest disappointment for looking like he wouldn't even be able to handle a men's amateur game yet he got a WC R16 match.
DeleteTantashev had 1 bad game and gets crucified as the biggest disappointment in his debut World Cup ???? What expectations were there from him? To officiate a quarters or semis ? Come on
DeleteThe criterion is not "having done nothing wrong," but rather having performed "exceptionally well."
DeleteSo Elfath Faghani Sampaio and Marciniak -> vying for the last 3 games ?
ReplyDeleteENG V ARG semis should have been Barton I think now it could be Sampaio . ( if it's Marciniak , why even play the game )
3rd / 4th Political Elfath appointment
F: Faghani farewell
lol no way they're putting a Brazilian ref in charge of ARG - ENG....it will be Vincic, Makkelie or Faghani (my preferred choice). Elfath will get the Final and a CAF ref the 3rd place match.
DeleteMakkelie has been sent home
DeleteTomke ah forgot about that... yeah then Faghani could be semis but I think Elfath 3rd / 4th let's see
DeleteHow do we know who has been sent home?
DeleteARG - ENG: No CONMEBOL, No UEFA. Makhadmeh? Faghani?
DeleteThis is such an awesome thing. I didn't think that, despite being the best ref in the tournament, Barton actually had a chance to get a SF or the Final. I figured Collina would give some older guy who doesn't deserve it based on merit, but just on politics.
ReplyDeleteIt's also going to be great to see him on a European game where, for the most part, the teams act as civilized players, as opposed to the usual CONCACAF and CONMEBOL maniacs he is usually having to ref where he has to throw out 10 cards and act like a military general on the field.
Seeing him ref 2 of the 4 best teams in the world will be a real treat. I doubt he's going to end up having to pull any of his usual antics ingrained in him from CONCACAF games. It's probably going to be a walk in the park for him. The only concern might be that a ton of these players play in the Big 5 European leagues and so he won't really have a rapport with them the way a UEFA ref might.
Yeah will be interesting to see two UEFA teams with a non-UEFA ref and vice versa for the first time in the tournament.
DeleteYes, I agree; I’m also curious to see how it fares against two European teams.
DeleteAgreed. Well said!! 👏🏼
DeleteFaghani officiated the final match of the Club World Cup last year. Honestly, I don't think they will give him another final.
ReplyDeleteWhy not?
DeleteThe fate of Argentina will likely determine the refereeing team for the final. My prediction is a UEFA referee for ENG-ARG and Elfath/Sampaio for the last two. With Argentina, Elfath takes it; without Argentina, Sampaio is the one. The other goes to the 3rd place encounter.
ReplyDeleteWell, everyone that watched this tournament already knows Argentina wil get it, so probably Elfath then.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteMarko23, It is very bold to assume that "Argentina wil get it". They aren't the favorites against England, and they wouldn't be in the final either. Unless you're just another one of the trolls infesting social media, I don't see the point of your statement
DeleteBarton !! Excellent, best ref at World Cup by far. - 2030 - if he carries on, he have ot be close to the Final !!! JUST DONT CHANGE BARTON !
ReplyDeletePrediction:
Arg v England - Marcinaek or Faghani
Final
Efaith or Faghani if Fag doesnt do semi final.
Not saying Efaith deserves it, but rumours of him doing it have been out there for 2-3 years !
+1000000000
DeleteMatter of opinion. He was good but missed and incredibly clear penalty for Sweden. Makhadmeh deserved more.
DeleteAbsolutely deserved appointment.
ReplyDeleteI think that ARG-ENG will go to Faghani, 3/4 place game and the final will go to Vincic/Mariani/Elfath
I can't imagine an AFC referee getting the Arg-Eng game... both have already refereed England this tournament in KO rounds. It would probably be safer to give the game to a referee who hasn't done either team yet. I am guessing a UEFA referee on that game... might want someone experienced for a game that is for sure to be intense from the start.
ReplyDeleteI think England vs Argentina will be refereed by Vincic. [Maybe] the committee think that Vincic should be appointed to referee a semifinal, but the All-European semifinal is not suitable for him since he already refereed France v Spain Euro 2024 semifinal. That's why Barton was appointed to the All-European game and not Vincic.
ReplyDeleteVinčić is making a career at UEFA solely because he is Slovenian. Given the FIFA vs. UEFA conflict, there is no chance of leveraging personal connections.
DeleteThis is not fair. He may get some additional positive treatment but definitely he is one of the top European referees. A pair of safe hands, can't remember him bing really bad at the important game.
DeleteSweden vs Poland i march Play off and sure Red card for Sweden.
DeleteA great honor for Barton—he has my support! It is clear that Collina recognizes his quality; despite some criticism directed at this referee, he selected him for this important match, choosing him over some big-name officials. I believe his style and natural officiating—including how he communicates with players—are excellent. We have to realize that football is theater and the referee is part of the show; Barton handles this brilliantly, whether people like it or not. I’m rooting for him!
ReplyDeleteI expect Makhadmeh from Jordan in the final.
ReplyDeleteI would be very surprised
DeleteIt surprises me that he was appointed to officiate at the World Cup. And then officiated four matches...
DeletePolitical appointment. They had to appoint a CONCACAF referee in the final stages and Ramos and Elfath performed even worse. Understandable to do it in this match, since we will probably see two teams that just want to play football. Let's hope Barton gets his foul detection in place and will leave the camera's to the players this time.
ReplyDeleteThere might be a part of politics but SF clearly deserved on the pitch by Barton
DeleteI would not have said the same for Ramos (even if I believe no KO at all for him is harsh)
Totally deserved appointment for Barton. However, I think the ENG-ARG is more suitable for him
ReplyDeleteCan these comments be deleted? Nobody believes seriously those types of allegations and it's not funny anymore.
DeleteSorry many do . And I know some of you may feel slighted as former referees. But corruption is a known entity and to rubbish off very possible allegations is contrary to freedom expression. We can't call out FIFA's alleged corruption but we are allowed to be racist and disparage referees from other continents ya
DeleteArgentina has 0 VARs against them the entire tournament and obviously the flagrant amount of violations they've gotten away with - so we can't call out institutional bias but we should crucify individual referees? I prefer to blame an institution with known convictions for corruption than to squarely blame every individual referee for incompetence
DeleteWow one can't speak ill of fifa despite their proven corruption charges but racism is okay - good priorities on this blog
DeleteArgentina hasn't had a single VAR decision go against them in this tournament. Is that proof of corruption? Do sanctions have to be handed out to everyone just to demonstrate fairness? I don't think so. The decisions against Egypt and Switzerland were correct. Or would you deny that? On the other hand, Argentina had a goal disallowed following VAR intervention against Algeria. Doesn't that count?
Delete@ some comments here are extremely ridiculous and should be banned. They think people who have different opinions than them should stay silent and they pretend they know everything. Lol
Deleteİvan Barton has a unique refereeing style that wouldn't suit just anyone, but it really looks good on him. He embraces the showmanship, and I honestly think it suits him perfectly. The stadium announcement he made during the Turkey vs. Paraguay match went viral, racking up millions of views and making him a TikTok phenomenon. We definitely need more referees like him
ReplyDeleteVery big coongratulation to Ivan Barton,definetley a deserved appoitment,and bright future in front of him. Now,based on appoimtent of France-Argetina should be more clear who will be in the final!
ReplyDeleteAs for Ramos, it now seems clear, that something must have happened. Either health issues or something more unusual.
ReplyDeleteEven if FIFA didn't like his decision to disallow the goal in SCO-BRA, he would at least have been expected as 4th official somewhere.
And it's not even likely, that they disliked it, because VAR Pacheco continued to get games (even the most up to now).
Thr handling of Marcianak very similar to Howard Webb in 2014. Used sparingly, despite arriving as WC final ref, kept to the end but not getting a game (allegedly Holland felt he wouldn't ref their SF objectively after WC Final incident)
ReplyDeleteI would have preferred Makkelie but would take Marcianak or even Vincic. Could end up being the Italian though
Well done to Eskas and Nyberg, great experience for them
Marciniak will give Argentina everything
DeleteHolland accepted Webb in 2014 (after rejecting Vera in the previous round iirc), but Argentina rejected him over the Falklands. I think the story is in Webb's book.
DeleteIt was Holland due to the lack of sanction in WC10 final
DeleteBarton absolutely deserved his appointment.
ReplyDeleteHope you all see already Barton and Nyberg walking out. Will be a bit funny :-)
I think Faghani will be the main man for the other SF with probably Eskås.
Mahmadeh with Jayed for 3rd place and then the final depanding the two teams.
I also suspect Elfath but in case Argentina out I would expect to see Valenzuela and Sampaio.
I don't think Marciniak will be in the middle in any of the games. Not needed, he alread has the final in his palmares so give the chance to ref the semifinal to someone else. (He should have been appointed already in Q4 or R16)
And that's the result of overusing the French and English refs in these rounds. 6 UEFA assignments were taken by Olivér, Taylor, Turpin and Letexier. I think that's just too much for these two countries especially the amount of choices you had from UEFA.
Kovacs and Makkelie were treated very unfairly in my opinion. Feel a bit sad for them.
Until the end of nominations process, I will(due to Letexier absence :) dream about Makhdammeh in final!
ReplyDeleteYou may wish to clarify his intended role first, before being disappointed if he ultimately appears only as the fourth official. ;-)
DeleteYes,you right, I meant as main referee,becouse he showed that he is strongest when it was needed. But your point made me ready :)))
DeleteWell deserved, but IMHO Barton and his team should have been appointed to the other semifinal instead :)
ReplyDeleteBest of luck!
It’s such a shame Makkelie got ruled out. I really thought he’d referee another match.
ReplyDeleteHow do we know this
DeleteHe confirmed it on LinkedIn.
DeleteA huge congratulations to Barton! This is a well-deserved nomination based on his performances in this tournament, not on merit or politics. He deserved to be in the final, but it's clear he's too young and still inexperienced. However, I'm convinced he'll be a favorite in future editions; I can't wait to see him in this clash.
ReplyDeleteWell, it seems Marciniak's adventure at this tournament has come to an end. I hope he doesn't get Argentina again, as it's quite controversial. Then he won't get the final either, simply because he's already refereed it, and others should be given a chance, and I'm writing this as a Pole. In this case, I expect Faghani to play in the second semifinal, Elfath in the final if Argentina wins, or Sampaio if England wins, and Makhadmeh in the third-place match.
DeleteNot surprising to see Pinheiro awarded another week in the US for his services to Infantino, Collina and one competing nation.
ReplyDeleteShhh don't say it later the moral police - Arthur 33 will get your comment deleted. One shall have no criticisms
Delete@arthur33 - is this comment allowed?
DeleteMezut you are not fair. Pinheiro in is "debut" in a worl cup was excelent e deserve to be in final 13 referees. Lets wait for the game that will be assigned to Mariani. He will be, like main referee in one game.
DeleteI don't think he is a bad referee. But his major mistake on Saturday night was a milestone in deciding one semi-finalist. In addition, he was extremely lenient for constant fouling by the Argentines (some fouls were quite serious), no YC until extra-time. I don't think that he should be banned for life or dropped by from the Elite category, no, no, but his performance in ARG-SUI deserves him to be on the way home.
DeleteBut quite opposite, FIFA wants to send a message, we don't care a shit how you perform, if you do the things the way we want, you are safe.
+1 people speaking the truth even if it may be difficult @mezut thank you I hope you're comment don't get deleted
DeleteIt’s difficult to understand why referees such as Zwayer and Makkelie are going home, while officials like Elfath, Alireza, Pinheiro and Marciniak remain in the tournament.
ReplyDeleteI’m not suggesting that these aren’t good referees. They have all shown their quality over many years. However, based on what we have seen during this tournament, it is hard to understand some of the decisions.
Elfath struggled physically and needed an OFR to award what many considered an obvious penalty for Brazil. His performance in the Uruguay match also raised questions. Alireza required two OFRs in the Mexico vs England match, one for a clear missed red card and another for a missed penalty. Marciniak came under heavy scrutiny after the incident involving Messi, where many felt a red card should have been shown, yet not even a yellow card was given. Barton had a solid match in Switzerland vs Colombia, but many felt he struggled in Turkey vs Paraguay to control the behaviour of players. Despite that, he has been appointed to a World Cup semi-final. Pinheiro also received considerable criticism after yesterday’s match because of management issues and a wrongly issued yellow card that ultimately led to an OFR.
From the outside, it is difficult to understand how these decisions are being made. Based on the performances at this tournament, I find it hard to believe the appointments are based purely on merit rather than other considerations. That also seems to reflect the opinions expressed by many people in the discussions here.
One boring explanation is, that even purely on merit people have some different opinions and yours can't be the only truth.
DeleteAnd "on merit" could even mean "based on tournament performance" or "based on their abilities shown in their whole career" or something in between with different weighs on the two factors.
There are most likely other factors, but I think for most appointments you can also find a "on merit" explanation.
Dear mike. I agree with everything else you've written, but I strongly disagree with the claim that Barton couldn't control the players in the Turkey vs. Paraguay match. It was the most difficult match of the tournament, and he handled the players very well. Many other referees would definitely not have been able to handle that game.
Delete@Mike. I couldn't agree more with your brief analyzis. Finally someone who could see also mistakes of Elfath and Faghani. Not awarding penalty in BRA - NOR is simply beyond my understanding. Not seeing offence in penalty incident in MEX - ENG is easy to undestand and forgive but RC incident in this match is different cup of tea. Plus decision in FRA - SEN, even after OFR! For me is simply mystery why keeping Marciniak at the tournament so long without any match (only reason for that would be the 2-nd semifinal).
DeleteI am very surprised by predictions which don't see at least one European referee for next 3 matches.
To be clear: I also agree on Elfath and Faghani. However it's too early to criticize, because they haven't been appointed after their R16 games (yet).
DeleteLet's make one thing clear. FIFA is not a merit based organization. This is not a part of their organizational culture.
DeleteCorruption (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2015_FIFA_corruption_case) and politics (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2026_Trump%E2%80%93FIFA_red_card_controversy) are.
I'm afraid situation is not much better with FIFA refereeing.
Like everyone else, I agree that Barton should have been assigned to the England vs. Argentina semifinal instead of this one, as it is expected to be more intense and would have suited his style better.
ReplyDeleteAbout SF2, the big point for discussion obviously is Marciniak. Would his many Argentina games (and the Messi incident on MD1) really be a problem for the broader public and more specifically for the English media and national team? I find this question very hard to answer.
ReplyDeleteBut him not getting the game would be weird, because no other game makes sense for him and no game for him in KO stage would be hard to explain. Unless FIFA considers the Messi situation as clear RC. But then he should have been part of the recent cut. And Kwiatkowski got a R32 appointment. So that idea seems unlikely.
If it's not Marciniak, I would see Vincic as the best choice given his tournament performance and experience. I don't see a reasonable counterargument against him (other than Marciniak existing...) - the FIFA vs. Ceferin aspect seems weak to me.
I don't see a good confederationally neutral option here, because Faghani sent off an England player in R16 (and also wasn't good enough IMO), two CONCACAF SF referees seem quite unlikely (and also Elfath wasn't good enough IMO) and the others aren't experienced enough.
And CONMEBOL: Yes, maybe, if both teams are fine with it - I can't anticipate that.
So in short:
I would like:
Vincic - Elfath - Dankert, Higler, Kwiatkowski
I expect:
Marciniak - Elfath - Kwiatkowski, Gallo, Gonzalez
(Obviously you can argue for nearly everyone on the 4th official spot.)
Coudn't agree more.
DeleteMariano will get one game. Remember whats hapen in WC U20. The semi and final games whit Argentina...its a "story"...
DeleteIf Marciniak was choosed, then why on Earth would you sent him to ENG-ARG, breaking the confederation rule and him repeating Argentina once again? The swap with Barton would have made a lot of sense. With Vincic at least you can argue against the swap because he had the FRA-ESP semifinal at Euro 2024.
ReplyDeleteTrue, I missed that argument in my comment.
DeleteYou could counter it by saying, that you expect ENG-ARG to be more difficult and FIFA trusts Marciniak more than Barton.
But I agree more with you.
A short comment about the UEFA names that are reported to have left the tournament, I think wer can draw some conclusions and something about some of them was already clear.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, among them, it could have been possible to expect another game, given his path, for Makkelie. The Dutch referee could have easily officiated either a quarterfinal or a semifinal, before going home.
To follow, what was already clear was a very low reputation for Kovacs, and he didn't even get fourth official assignments after the second game as main referee (correct me if I'm wrong),
So this story about the WC 1000 game was just to give a small reward to him, but very small.. Collina said it was a case, but well, after his treatment one can have doubts. Yes, the OFR in second game, but it's clear he is a referee definitely not liked by Collina and Busacca. Really sorry.
Then, into Zwayer: he could have got more as well, but here I find an argument that probably has convinced Collina to "lose" the trust.
It can happen, but a refere with cramps at WC was a scene that one can nver remember. Collina, who is a maniac (positive sense, of course) about physical condition, should have reacted very bad about that. How much Zwayer fault? Of course not his fault, but once again we can say he was unluckyu to have this incident exactly in that game. To follow, he was given a second chance, but it wasn't linear with the OFR. So, in the end they found an argument to send him home. Sad because with Germany eliminated so early, he could have got more. For me, it's a mix between not having full trust after first game incident, and then a rather shaky second appearance, but basically they hadn't a strong plan on him, that's clear.
About all the other European referees, both those who are still there and the others sent home, we can understand in a way or another their path.
But it's now interesting to say more about Marciniak...
At this point, he shouldn't get another game, so why to keep him?
Impossible to get a second final, very hard to see him once again with Argentina after so many assignments in three WC editions, and, before that, the controversy in group stage.
So the tournament seems over for him, but of course Collina keeps him without sending home.
In this regard, it seems to me that some referees get the compromise of remaining until the end even if Collina and Busacca already know they will not get any game.
Maybe, the same for Mariani... I continue in another comment
For Mariani it's very hard to get another game, given how he was managed to become a referee for 2026 WC. At this point it would be unfair if compared to those who missed the chance, and more generally, I'm sure he has been kept jjsut because Italian with a chance to officiate maybe the third place game or to appear as fourth official in England - Argentina.
DeleteThe rest of UEFA referees who have been kept, shouldn't have chances for another assignment, if not the third place game, that in my opinion would be just a small consolation.
So now trying to guess about the referee for England - Argentina, we have strong clues that Faghani could officiate it: it would be like a final, and given that the final is not possible for him because he handled it one year ago, then we have a solution here, that also respects confederations criterion.
So my prediction for ENG - ARG is Faghani as very last game of his WC career, with maybe Mariani as fourth official.
This would leave unfortunately Elfath for the final, the saddest scenario, in my opinion... but something that one could have expected. But if not Argentina, chances for the two CONMEBOL referees, personally I believe Sampaio is just a pushed name, would be refreshing to see the referee from Venezuela, but very hard.
DeleteThat's my analysis, then third place game, as said, not important, all can get it.
So, Chefren, don't you think it would have been more appropriate to appoint Barton for the England vs. Argentina match
DeleteA referee can be branded for life after this game.
DeleteExtremely dangerous. I understand why Collina decided for the European top clash for him.
Therefore, also for this reason, Faghani best option for the other semifinal.
Unless, they want to send Elfath, but absolutely not suitable referee for that game.
Chefren,can we said if we see Elftah, that there is chance for Faghani in final?
DeleteStop saying the cramps were due to poor physical condition. Him in poor condition? It's to laugh of.
DeleteThe cramps happened because—unlike other referees in the competition—he literally ran the entire pitch in temperatures exceeding 35°C.
I agree with the argument that ENG-ARG requires a referee who has nothing to lose. Thern, we have Marciniak and Faghani as possible candidates.
Delete@Chefren, I think it is also possible that Marciniak is kept for mentoring and coaching the remaining referees of the last matches. I know there are many experienced management crew and staff there but considering his experience and communications skills, I think it is likely to have him in the group. Having the support of a fellow referee is always better than the support of a professional. May be I am too naive :)
I couldn't disagree more, Chefren. The standard of officiating at this World Cup fell short of the 2018 and 2022 editions. Honestly, I didn't see any standout performances from Makkelie—he underperformed, especially in a match like France vs. Sweden that had all the makings of a final. Where is Letexier’s annoying French fan club? Did they quietly slip away from the blog? Won't they even officiate the third-place play-off? Mariani put in solid, consistent performances, and I consider him a top contender for the final, alongside Sampaio. Barton—whom many here, especially that fan club, criticized—earned a semi-final assignment thanks to his excellent performance, composure, and confidence. I remain convinced that this tournament was a unique case, given how they treated Artan, delegations like URU and IRN, and finally Claus. Setting aside the rhetoric, Collina ought to be ashamed of his leniency in failing to shield the officiating corps from political interference; he should have taken a strong, forceful stand against Infantino’s antics, reiterated his support for those who were wronged, and questioned his VAR team regarding the lack of consistent criteria throughout the tournament.
DeleteSaying that Mariani can referee the final is a pure madness. He is very lucky to be at this WC already. Letexier is sent home because of semi finals neutrality as Turpin, Tello or Oliver. Nothing in parallel with their performances…
DeleteI'm really curious... Do the referees actually read what is written on this forum. 😅
ReplyDeleteMy predictions:
ReplyDeleteArgentinia - England: Mariani or Vincic
3rd place game: Elfath or Makhadmeh
Final:
Argentinia - France/Spain: Faghani
England - France/Spain: Sampaio
Such a deserved appointment, I’m more excited to watch him than the game itself. He’s been brilliant.
ReplyDeleteWhat happened to Marciniak, that he wasn't nominated for one single KO game of this World Cup?!
ReplyDeleteHorrible performances maybe?
Deletehttps://www.tubantia.nl/berkelland/voetbalscheidsrechter-rob-dieperink-38-uit-borculo-overleden~a3d66852/
ReplyDeleteDutch media reported that Dutch referee and Internatiol VAR Rob Dieperink passed away. RIP
Source: Tubantia (local news paper in area Dieperink lived)
Rob Dieperink was originally selected to be part of the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) team for the FIFA World Cup. However, FIFA decided to remove him from the final list of officials following an investigation in the United Kingdom earlier this year. Although the police investigation was subsequently closed due to insufficient evidence and no charges were filed, FIFA chose not to reinstate him for the tournament.
DeleteRest in peace. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
DeleteHe officiated as a VAR in 15 Champions League matches last season. rest in peace..
DeleteWhat is the cause of his death?
DeleteWhat do you think?
DeleteSo already 2 ARs these days after the death of Zaza Papia from Georgia
DeleteThe Dutch press is reporting it as a suicide
DeleteUnfortunately this is one of the most likely causes at this young age and with this background story in April
DeleteRIP
Deletehttps://www.knvb.nl/nieuws/scheidsrechters/scheidsrechters/72017/rob-dieperink-overleden
DeleteOfficial statement of the KNVB (Dutch FA)
Deeply saddened by the passing. Whatever happened in England, it cost him a large part of his career. My thoughts also go out to his colleagues.
Delete🙏🙏🙏
DeleteHis case in England was dropped, and he was found innocent.
DeleteShocking news: my deepest condolence to his family and my thought to him who left this world so young.
DeleteBig questions of FIFA and their safeguarding/mental wellbeing procedure need to be asked. He shouldn't have been dropped after there was no evidence after his arrest.
DeleteThey are saying it's suicide :( R.I.P
DeleteThat is such a sad news, RIP
DeleteThis saterday ( 11 july) he refereed the match Go Ahead Eagles en Apollon Limassol
Deletehttps://www.tubantia.nl/fc-twente/zaterdag-floot-rob-dieperink-nog-maandag-is-de-borculose-scheidsrechter-er-niet-meer~a6829af5/
Very sad news, more generally very sad story. I think people need help, we must be always alert. May he rest in peace.
DeleteVery sad news. I think all referees especially Willy Delajod should have an emotional thought for him. RIP Rob.
DeleteMy condolences to his family, RIP
DeleteFirst the RSA player, now it’s a referee…I’m in shock.
DeleteMay them (and all of the people struggling out there) find peace.
RIP
The Argentine referee crew is hugging the Moroccan goalkeeper Bono at the end of the match. Where do they know each other from? I’m curious…
ReplyDeletehttps://www.instagram.com/reel/DalxF8Ztn7i/?igsh=MWVvbzQwem9hZndxYg==
He also hugged Facundo Tello, and Tello kissed him
DeleteReferee Dutch Rob Dieperink died
ReplyDeleteI read the statement Makkelie made on his LinkedIn account. It is filled with disappointment... I think he was expecting for more
ReplyDeleteDanny Makkelie deserved more.
DeletePeople seem to forget that at the 2022 World Cup, FIFA only gave him two group stage matches, yet they kept him in Qatar until the end of the tournament. At that time, Makkelie was easily one of the top-3 referees in Europe, and many people felt he was unlucky to miss out on the previous 21/22 season’s Champions League final.
He had a good tournament this summer. There were no major controversies or serious criticism of his performances. Even Zlatan and Henry called him one of the best referees at the moment, and from Makkelie’s own LinkedIn post it seems the FIFA referee instructors were also positive with his performances.
That’s why it would have made perfect sense to give him a quarter-final, especially because we don’t know if Makkelie will still be at the next World Cup in four years’ time. Instead, FIFA went with e.g. the inexperienced João Pinheiro, which is a decision I really struggle to understand.
For some reason, the online referee community always seems to downplay Makkelie’s performances. Some people - including one of the admins here - always seem to be looking for something to criticise him for, no matter how well he performs. A missed yellow card?! At the same time, referees like Clément Turpin seem to get far more protection, even after two OFRs. Makkelie hasn’t deserved that treatment. Despite the politics and setbacks, he has always kept fighting and continued performing at the highest level. The only thing missing from his career is a major international final, and I really hope he still gets that chance.
On another note, what a sad news about Rob Dieperink. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. Some people - especially parts of the media - should be ashamed of how they treated him, including FIFA for leaving him out of the World Cup squad. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and people should never forget that. Sadly, this has now cost a life, and it may well have been prevented if people had shown more restraint and respected that basic principle.
👏
DeleteI don't understand your example with Turpin at all. He had a superb world cup and totally deserves the 4 appointments he had. If you also consider the fact that he only had few appointments in the last three previous world cup due to expérience and french national team. He was the most experience uefa offical with Marciniak before the start of the competition. What protection to you refer to ? Zero OFR before his last appointment.
DeleteNathan,
DeleteI’m referring to Arbitre International’s assessment of Turpin. They gave him the benefit of the doubt despite two OFRs. We all know it would be a different story had it been Zwayer or Makkelie.
However, given the circumstances, I’d rather take a moment to acknowledge the loss of a young and very talented VAR than continue a discussion about Turpin (it was just an example). Thank you.
The downfall of Cesar Ramos has been unbelievable. 2022 World Cup semifinal to seemingly being sent home after just two group stage in 2026 even with Mexico being one of the host nations. He must have done something to lose Collina trust, My guess would be that last year CWC between Benfica and Boca Juniors.
ReplyDeleteSemi Final 1: Ivan Barton
Purely based on performance, he deserves to referee the final. Nevertheless this semifinal is also a dream appointment because both teams are generally well behaved and less problematic to manage, allowing the referee to focus more on the game.
Giving Barton this game shows that he has been rewarded for his performances. Some may argue that he would have been a better fit for Argentina vs England, but as Chafren said, that game may be better suited to a referee who has nothing to lose, while Barton still has a future at international level.
The only real question is whether he can adapt to the more controlled UEFA refereeing style instead of his usual approach, which can sometimes make games feel chaotic.
Semi Final: 2
This feels like it will go to a referee who has earned a great deal of trust and is nearing the end of his international career. For me, there are only three realistic candidates, Alireza Faghani, Ismail Elfath and Szymon Marciniak.
You can make a case both for and against each of them, but I would be very surprised if the referee for this match isn’t one of those three.
The semi final is going to be the Ivan Barton Show ,it will be all about him ,expect a couple of red cards ,may be a penalty and probably ignoring VAR.
ReplyDeleteMy predictions:
ReplyDeleteSemi 2 (Argentina-England): Marciniak
3rd Place: Elfath
Final: Faghani (this one has been my hope from the start; well deserved)
If there hadn't been a war between UEFA and FIFA, I think we could have seen Vinčić in the final. There is still a chance, though.
DeleteBatrton gets Tomasz Kwiatkowski as VAR.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting choice.
This can allow us to think that it could have been a game for Marciniak.
We can't know maybe the Polish had again physical issues after the early two games?
Nevertheless, he stayed until the end without getting games...
If there were an injury, he would have been sent home like the other referees.
DeleteHe stayed until the end without games, as well as Felix, Makkelie and Kovacs. It's funny. Just one referee you guys have pity on them.
DeleteThe other three don’t stay until the end though…
DeleteKwiatkowski will be VAR in ESP-FRA, so no Marciniak in ENG-ARG
ReplyDeleteVery sad news from Holland. My condolence to family of Rob Dieperink ! Rest in Peace!
ReplyDeleteKwiatkowski with Barton do no Marciniak on SFs.
ReplyDeleteFaghani or Elfath? I bet Iranian.
(so no Marciniak in SFs).
DeleteMariani....
DeleteSo I bet on Elfath in semi. But, if them appoint him to final, it will be also deserved! But lets see!
ReplyDeleteElfath deserves a semi? Not based on his performances in this WC.
DeleteI was assuming Marciniak for the ARG/ENG SF so this is a bit of a surprise. They gave Barton the game on merit. Could we be in for a surprise with Makhedmeh?
ReplyDeleteAs l said on Marciniak he was poor at his first couple of games and he only deserved a R32
ReplyDeleteNo surprise to me is not appointed unless Corruption makes it possible to get Argentina v England
I don't know which game yet but surely the Italian referee Mariani is getting one
Deleteuhh . Szymon Marciniak, who officiated last world cup final, finished the tournament with just 2 matches
ReplyDeleteThat's how bad he was compared to other referees
DeleteAnd no shame to it ( a injury disrupted season)
Ramos is the fall guy not him IMO
There still is the chance that Marciniak gets a South American VAR for balance reasons.
ReplyDeleteLook let’s try to be realistic Makhedmeh is not fitting for a World Cup final. The final we always goes on to be the worlds number 1 referee for that year… we cannot accept Makhedmeh as a World Cup final candidate. We can accept hall of famer veteran Faghani he deserves it 4 years ago. And don’t rule out a first time that someone does it twice not that he deserves it but with that is left Marcinak would not be shocking to me if announced for final again. But the rumour on efaith started 3 years ago or so… so would not shock me if deal was reached 3 years ago
ReplyDeleteWell, based on merit, without politics and based only on performances, from retained referees, final can be done by ADAM OR SLAVKO. But,its not always just on merit, there are a lot of things that decide in officiating.
DeleteAnother detail on the VAR appointment: Dankert is not part of it (would be more familiar with the other two than Marciniak).
ReplyDeleteThis could indicate another game for Vincic.
To be fair, a rather small hint…
*than Pacheco
DeleteAnother excellent example of the FIFA strategy, we don't care what you think, we don't explain anything. Apparently, this guy made a decision alone (at least without involving anyone of the 16 other members of the committee). Who believes that this guy took the decision independently without the interference from Infantino? If this is not a corruption or the worst form of the politics, then what is.
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/danroan
I think there are certain pieces of information All of you are not highlighting [ THE NEXT HOST NATIONS NATIONS ]
ReplyDeleteJayed the remaining CAF representative from Morocco
Pinheiro getting a QF from no where and also staying
And also Hdz Hdz, who never deserved to be at this World Cup ( gets a YES)
Back to Qatar WC22 Ramos and Elfath staying till the end of tournament
So in my opinion being the next host nation representative(s) counts more than we think, FIFA always wants to give back to their beloved host countries, in other words, Elfath might be in line for something special
And I will be surprised if not shocked if he doesn't get a match from the last 3 games
If he gets a Third place play-off, it's okay. But IMO not the pedigree for the very difficult SF2 or final.
ReplyDeleteThird place will be very underwhelming in American perspective
DeleteAnd I guess they can't BURN him in SF 2
On the final, it will be controversial (a phone call again)
Either way he doesn't fit any but still has every chance of being appointed
Marciniaks tournament is over id say, why else is the Polish VAR here?
ReplyDeleteThe lack of CONCACAF VARS (mainly Tatiana Guzman and the 2 Americans) would indicate to me that Eflath will make an appearance, otherwise surely they'd have been used here?
Faghani for the sacrifice on Wednesday?
I dont know about Faghani to be fair.
ReplyDelete2 games in a row when England is facing Latin team?
I don't think that's possible,but then again Fifa is a miracle.
Faghani has the experience, demeanor, and respect of all teams and Referee Committee to referee the final. And he deserves it on merit.
Deletehttps://x.com/asstref/status/2076710300913389853?s=46&t=Ok5OCp_U1mZPFDKlm4EOGQ Documents inside fifa wc 1994 and refereeing. Incredible !
ReplyDeleteElfath for ENG-ARG. Mariani IV official
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/i/status/2076804867751063808
At least hes not getting the final, the only positive from that, no way he will be able for Argentina and the dark arts based off of what we've seen so far.
DeleteNot surprised or complaining at Mariani 4O. If Faghani gets the final i will be stunned, an Iranian in America would be a positive end to the political situation so far! Vincic anyone?
It's quite clear for me that one among Sampaio, Valenzuela, Vincic will handle the final. I think it's more likely a CONMEBOL ref, given 3/4 UEFA in quarterfinals and both CONCACAF for the semis.
DeleteA16: what does dark arts mean? I've seen this term several times here
DeleteDark arts basically means all of bad things in football:pressure on ref,complaints about every decision, playing dirty and dangerous and that's what Argentina does so well.
DeleteAlso,they are using this lenient styles if refs to their advantage so good that I expect them to win WC.
If Elfath forgave all of dirty stuff in Uruguay vs Spain match,who knows how much will he allow in this match...
ReplyDeleteWe will have England and Argentina that still have this Falklands dispute,such history and I would not be surprised if some team loses the plot and Elfath finds himself in uncontrolable match.
I wouldn't be surprised at all if Marciniak officiates the World Cup final for a second time. Given that he's highly regarded by Collina, anything is possible.
ReplyDelete