Matchday 1: Review

A small review of the first twenty-four matches in the twenty-third FIFA World Cup. 

Mr Busacca, it should not work like this

In principle it is unfair to single out specific referees, and I would like to put firmly on the record that I wish Omar Al-Ali and his crew well for the New Zealand against Egypt match on Sunday evening. But, some things must be said: Al-Ali's selection as main referee is, from my perspective, one of the most dubiously-originated appointments in recent World Cup history.

2026 FIFA WC - Referee appointments for Group Stage starting from Match #17

Appointments of match officials at 2026 FIFA World Cup, Group Stage. 

Szymon Marciniak POL meets again Argentina 

2026 FIFA World Cup Match 28: Mexico - South Korea (discussion)

Gustavo Tejera from Uruguay in charge of Mexico - South Korea, Group A, Matchday 2. 

2026 FIFA World Cup Match 27: Canada - Qatar (discussion)

In Canada - Qatar, Christian Garay from Chile will make his WC debut. Good luck to the officiating crew. 

2026 FIFA World Cup Match 26: Switzerland - Bosnia and Herzegovina (discussion)

João Pinheiro debut at WC, in a full European clash, Switzerland - Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

2026 FIFA World Cup Match 25: Czech Republic - South Africa (discussion)

Tori Penso follows the steps of Stéphanie Frappart, being the second woman to officiate at Men's World Cup. A full female trio to handle Czech Republic - South Africa. 

2026 FIFA World Cup Match 24: Uzbekistan - Colombia (discussion)

Anthony Taylor will be in the middle for Uzbekistan - Colombia, let's comment his performance. 

2026 FIFA World Cup Match 21: Ghana - Panama (discussion)

Swedish debut at 2026 World Cup, Glenn Nyberg in charge of Ghana - Panama. 

2026 FIFA World Cup Match 22: England - Croatia (discussion)

Clément Turpin, experienced FIFA referee, is about to offiiciate at his third World Cup. First game will be England - Croatia, a full European clash.