Referees in charge of 2026 FIFA World Cup UEFA Play-Offs Semifinals, game to be played on Thursday 26 March 2026.
UEFA Playoffs for WC 2026, Semifinals
Thursday 26 March 2026
Path A Semi-Final
20:45 CET - Bergamo (New Balance Arena)
ITALY - NORTHERN IRELAND
Referee: Danny Makkelie NED
Assistant Referee 1: Hessel Steegstra NED
Assistant Referee 2: Jan de Vries NED
Fourth Official: Jesús Gil Manzano ESP
Video Assistant Referee: Pol van Boekel NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jeroen Manschot NED
FIFA Referee Assessor: Markus Nobs SUI
FIFA Match Commissioner: Milovan Đukanović MNE
Path A Semi-Final
20:45 CET - Cardiff (Cardiff City Stadium)
WALES - BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Referee: Istvan Kovacs ROU
Assistant Referee 1: Mihai Marius Marica ROU
Assistant Referee 2: Ferencz Tunyogi ROU
Fourth Official: Tobias Stieler GER
Video Assistant Referee: Dennis Johan Higler NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee:
FIFA Referee Assessor: Marinus Koopman NED
FIFA Match Commissioner: Andrey Medintsev BUL
Path B Semi-Final
20:45 CET - Valencia, ESP (Estadi Ciutat de València)
UKRAINE - SWEDEN
Referee: João Pedro da Silva Pinheiro POR
Assistant Referee 1: Bruno Miguel Alves de Jesus POR
Assistant Referee 2: Luciano António Gomes Maia POR
Fourth Official: Erik Lambrechts BEL
Video Assistant Referee: Tiago Bruno Lopes Martins POR
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: André Filipe Domingues da Silva Narciso POR
FIFA Referee Assessor: Juan Antonio Fernández Marín ESP
FIFA Match Commissioner: Scott Struthers SCO
Path B Semi-Final
20:45 CET - Warsaw (PGE Narodowy)
POLAND - ALBANIA
Referee: Anthony Taylor ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Gary Beswick ENG
Assistant Referee 2: Adam Nunn ENG
Fourth Official: Donatas Rumšas LTU
Video Assistant Referee: Jarred Gillett AUS/ENG
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Michael Salisbury ENG
FIFA Referee Assessor: Kóstas Kapitanís CYP
FIFA Match Commissioner: Georges Lüchinger LIE
Path C Semi-Final
18:00 CET - Istanbul (Tüpraş Stadyumu)
TÜRKIYE - ROMANIA
Referee: François Letexier FRA
Assistant Referee 1: Cyril Mugnier FRA
Assistant Referee 2: Mehdi Rahmouni FRA
Fourth Official: Benoît Bastien FRA
Video Assistant Referee: Willy Delajod FRA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Jérôme Brisard FRA
FIFA Referee Assessor: Elmir Pilav BIH
FIFA Match Commissioner: Emil Ubias CZE
Path C Semi-Final
20:45 CET - Bratislava (Národný futbalový štadión)
SLOVAKIA - KOSOVO
Referee: Espen Andreas Eskås NOR
Assistant Referee 1: Jan Erik Engan NOR
Assistant Referee 2: Isaak Elias Skjeseth Bashevkin NOR
Fourth Official: Nicholas Walsh SCO
Video Assistant Referee: Rob Dieperink NED
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Clay Ruperti NED
FIFA Referee Assessor: Lucílio Cardoso Cortez Batista POR
FIFA Match Commissioner: István Huszár HUN
Path D Semi-Final
20:45 CET - Copenhagen (Parken - Connected by 3)
DENMARK - NORTH MACEDONIA
Referee: Felix Zwayer GER
Assistant Referee 1: Robert Kempter GER
Assistant Referee 2: Dominik Schaal GER
Fourth Official: Daniel Siebert GER
Video Assistant Referee: Bastian Dankert GER
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Sascha Stegemann GER
FIFA Referee Assessor: William Young SCO
FIFA Match Commissioner: João Morais POR
Path D Semi-Final
20:45 CET - Prague (Fortuna Arena)
CZECH REPUBLIC - REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Referee: Glenn Nyberg SWE
Assistant Referee 1: Mahbod Beigi SWE
Assistant Referee 2: Andreas Söderkvist SWE
Fourth Official: Halil Umut Meler TUR
Video Assistant Referee: Bram Van Driessche BEL
Assistant Video Assistant Referee: Guillermo Cuadra Fernández ESP
FIFA Referee Assessor: Stefan Meßner AUT
FIFA Match Commissioner: Jacques Antenen SUI
It is confirned Hernández Hernández included in WC seminar. Group 1. I cant update post mow but it's confirmed. Late addition by FIFA committee. More to follow
ReplyDeleteDoes he take the position of marciniak
DeleteOT: Mass arrest are currently happening in Czech football as dozens of people including first league referees have been arrested in suspicion of corruption and match-fixing due to illegal betting. No info about names yet.
ReplyDeleteFIFA referee Jan Všetečka, VAR Miroslav Zelinka and former FIFA Ref Jan Petřík are rumoured to be among those arrested.
DeleteThese three names already confirmed by TV Nova and source it FA ethic committee
DeleteMariani and Peljto from Group 2 of the seminar have no match assigned, while Nyberg from Group 1 is officiating CZE-IRL. How is that possible?
ReplyDeleteThe groups changed on 20th March.
DeleteThe second group is now playoff semifinalists + Marciniak/Peljto.
So possibly, the initial referee for CZE-IRL was moved to Marciniak's final.
DeleteAnd it means Hernandez, Oliver, Turpin, Sanchez, Schärer and Vincic are the options for the finals, right. (And someone could still go to Mexico.) So at least one not obvious appointment will happen.
Mariani as well possible for the finals (and maybe more likely than Schärer and the Spanish refs).
DeleteItaly - N. Ireland: Makkelie
ReplyDeleteWales - Bosnia: Kovacs
Ukraine - Sweden: Pinheiro
Poland - Albania: Taylor
Slovakia - Kosovo: Eskås
Czechia - Ireland: Nyberg
Two names still missing
Makkelie in Italy <3. Very nice appointment
DeleteLetexier is officiating in Turkey, Makkelie in Italy, Kovács in Wales, Pinheiro is refereeing UKR–SWE, Taylor in Poland, Eskås in Slovakia, Zwayer in Denmark, and Nyberg in the Czech Republic.
ReplyDeleteIrfan Peljto has been appointed for the UEFA Nations League play-offs match between Malta and Luxembourg. Realistically speaking, this appointment almost certainly confirms that he won’t be on the final list for the FIFA World Cup.
ReplyDeleteIvan Kružliak will officiate the clash between Gibraltar and Latvia.
I'm really sorry for Peljto, this appointment is a humiliation and should not have happened. Refereeing managers (I mean at UEFA in this instance) shouldn't behave like this.
DeleteTo be honest, both referees appointed to the UNL play-offs are the eliminated WC candidates. Maybe just a nice gesture for the teams involved?
DeleteYou’re right, Mikael. With this move, he’s been more humiliated than if he hadn’t been appointed at all. A referee who officiated the Conference League final last season, handled one of the best matches of last year (RMA–ARS), and after getting only 2 Champions League games out of a possible 12, is now facing this. Unbelievable.
DeleteI still believe he’s better than most elite referees, but it feels like he’s heading towards the same fate as Srdan Jovanović… I’m sorry I even have to say that.
If you are not from Slovenia, Italy, France, Germany, Spain or England, the slightest mistake is enough to send you back to the bottom of Rossetti.
DeleteAs for Hernández Hernández' inclusion:
ReplyDeleteYou prematurely exclude the best elite Spaniard (Gil Manzano), then you deem the other one (Sánchez Martínez) not at the WC-level, so you select the worst one (Hernández Hernández) - and really one of the worst current elite referees, with due respect - for the last-minute seminar when he was not even close to the selection before. You are Collina/Busacca/Velasco (whoever's made this weird move). Find the logic...
... and then tell Siebert(!), Gözübüyük(!), Meler, Peljto that Hdz Hdz is better and deserve the WC nomination more than them. FIFA at its finest.
I claim that if Alejandro Hernández Hernández didn’t have a Spanish passport, he wouldn’t even be in the elite category. What’s going on with FIFA and UEFA?
DeleteThe 4.officials, all from different countries and all of them is elite referees... is this a new decision by UEFA?
ReplyDeleteThis is a common practice that always happens in the play-offs. It’s not the first time.
Deletethanks
DeleteHello admin, I have a question: With the injury to Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, does this mark the end of what might be his last FIFA World Cup appearance? Furthermore, will the inclusion of referee Alejandro Hernandez (Spain) in the Group 1 training squad disappoint many referees? This is because Alejandro Hernandez is more often trained as a video assistant referee (VAR/AVAR) than as a main referee on the field.
ReplyDeleteIf Michael Oliver – probably England's number 1 ahead of Anthony Taylor – were to referee a final, in my opinion only Path C would remain, since Path A (NIR), Path B (Taylor) and Path D (IRL) would be rather unfortunate assignments. At the same time, I wonder which path would be suitable for Slavko Vincic, as there could be a certain geographical proximity in all four of them (Path A: BIH, Path B: ALB, Path C: KOS, Path D: MKD). Maybe rather an inter-confederation play-off for the Slovenian?
ReplyDeletePredictions for finals:
DeleteA: Turpin
B Sánchez Martínez / Mariani
C Oliver
D Vincic
I assume, that Vincic would be OK for ALB (he has refereed them in EURO qualifiers already), as they have not been part of Yugoslavia.
DeleteBut yes, the inter-confed play-offs remains the blackbox.
If there is no UEFA referee, the solution should be like M_ wrote or with B and D switched.
François for the first time in the turkish stadiums.. I think it will also be his first time officiating in such a unique atmosphere. It will be a different experience for him
ReplyDeleteI don't see Mr Anonymous where is ?
ReplyDeleteComing up with a conspiracy theory in 3, 2, 1 ...
DeleteAny European referee involved in the International playoff matches?
ReplyDeleteWellcome Letexier, For me, he is actively the best referee in the world right now.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see Meler at this stage, but it seems impossible, I think only World Cup candidate referees can work , right?
DeleteNot just right now, but there is a very strong case for him being the best referee of all time. Anyone with eyes should see this, the way he moves on the pitch, the sheer elegance. What he has done for refereeing is simply astonishing, he has consistently shown a level far beyond what people thought possible. Monsieur Letexier is one of a kind, and we should enjoy every second of his active career.
DeleteMy friend, do not exaggerate, he is a very good referee, but what you say is now fanboyism and blindly attaching to a referee does not suit this community. Of course, we should support every referee, but we should not be fanboy
Delete@MQ considering Letexier in GOAT discussion is sick, in which world do you live in, as Treff said this is too much even Letexier himself can't comment like this about his impressive career
DeleteHernandez Hernandez's selection is unbelievable. He's never participated in a FIFA tournament, he's refereed very few Champions League matches, he's not currently considered among the top five in Spain, and he's a last-minute addition to the list, and will probably be included in the final list (otherwise, it makes no sense). I think he's a good referee, but far behind Gil Manzano and Sanchez Martinez, and his selection defies all logic. It seems very unfair to other referees who have attended several FIFA tournaments and seminars. At the UEFA and FIFA levels, Hernandez Hernandez hasn't earned his place in a World Cup. I'm baffled.
ReplyDeleteMore Dutch VARs particularly in Path A both semis, and the other one at SLO v KOS UEFA showing some trust to Netherlands.
ReplyDeleteOn Hdz Hdz,alot has been said above which I can agree with 100% .He didn't get the call up on merit but if I was FIFA can't we have a World cup without Spanish officials like what happened in 2018 WC to English officials
DeleteDoes anyone know where I can apply for Spanish citizenship? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI’ll hardly be worse than Hernandez Hernandez, which means I might even make it to the World Cup...
My comment might be offensive, and I apologize for that, but I really have no other comment on these actions by UEFA/FIFA. Unbelievable...
It is an action by FIFA.
DeleteDoes marciniak participate the seminar or he is injury as it was said
DeleteMarciniak is injured, probably won't referee the qualifiers playoffs but for sure his spot in the world cup is guaranteed.
Delete@CarlRDM I have to agree .. Like despiteHernandez Hernandez subpar season, his last two good showings in the UCL completely changed everyone's opinion and he has been selected .. It's a really strange initiative taking by whoever is in charge of this, and completely underserved, as some referees are far better and might not get selected
Noteworthy, that UEFA still doesn't care about the FIFA VAR selection, but just appoints them as they would do in CL.
ReplyDeleteE.g. Martins chosen over Narciso and also van Boekel.
Even for AVAR, some rather "random" appointments, but not the people from the FIFA WC seminar like Schüttengruber, Evangelou, Markovic...
Still hard to imagine, that especially van Boekel and Dingert won't be used in the summer.
Why the appointments for VAR and AVAR in Turkiye-Romania and the AVAR for Wales-Bosnia were not released yet?
DeleteGood question,some answers please
DeleteVAR are : Willy Delajod and Jérôme Brisard (FRA)
DeleteMy comment on the appointments, on the choices that have been made, and the possible changes that followed, given Marciniak last-minute injury in the Champions League match. And so we will see what his fate will be. I don't believe in a long-term injury, which is obviously more speculation than anything else, but he will certainly have something to check, and we will see when he will be able to recover in order to officiate at the World Cup.
ReplyDeleteI would start with Makkelie in Bergamo for Italy; of course, this is nothing new, once again the Dutch referee meets Italy. It almost feels unnecessary to add that, despite of being Italy - Northern Ireland, given the psychodramas of the past, even against teams rated lower than the national team mentioned, the appointment has clearly been fully secured with this choice. Very few referees can officiate this national team in contexts like this, and the choice would have been limited outside of the Dutchman. We could mention Turpin once again, as well as Marciniak, perhaps Letexier, who however, in terms of style, in my opinion is not 100% suited to matches of this kind involving Italy. Kovács perhaps even less so, given his tendency to somehow step into the spotlight in certain circumstances. But well...
And exactly speaking about the Romanian, moving on to the other match of Path A, he will be in Wales for this clash between Wales and Bosnia-Herzegovina. I would certainly say that they are evenly matched and that this is quite a balanced game in my opinion, so the presence of a more prominent name than what might have been expected on paper makes sense. In my view, it is a match of a higher level compared to those I will mention next, without of course meaning any disrespect to them.
Then we move to Spain, where, as I observed at the moment of the unveiling, there seems to be a geographical choice for the observer, and the same geographical criterion appears to be about the referee selection, with Pinheiro set to officiate this neutral-venue match between Ukraine and Sweden. A very delicate match nonetheless, because obviously the national team from the capital Kyiv, in previous qualification play-offs for major competitions, has not been particularly lucky.
DeleteNext comes Poland–Albania with Taylor; in my opinion this is one of the least interesting matches overall, though once again I say this within the broader context of the set of matches themselves, with the home side widely favored over the visitors, but anything can happen. Taylor, away from the media spotlight, is nonetheless confirmed once again by this appointment, continuing to hold on to his place with determination waiting for WC preselection.
Now about Letexier, I said he might not be considered suitable for Italy games but well, evidently I might have to reconsider that view, because this match involving Türkiye is certainly a sort of first for him. As someone wrote, he is used to somewhat "elegant" and fine matches, whereas this one may well go beyond, and we will see what style he decides to adopt. He could very well start cautioning and sending everyone off, but whether that would be an intelligent choice on his part remains to be seen.
Let's continue with Eskås, the Norwegian, who confirms the great trust placed in him with this match. Obviously it is not among the most exciting fixtures, in my opinion it is not even at the level of Poland–Albania, in fact even lower, but it is absolutely proportionate to the referee level, who deserved this appointment.
Zwayer, of course, was expected after his troubled period, because the German will go to the World Cup, so there is no doubt in that regard. Denmark–North Macedonia: needless to say, we are not talking about elite clashes, but considering the miracles the Balkan national team has produced in recent times, perhaps something could happen, so in any case an important match for him.
Closing the list is Nyberg, the Swedish, who also manages to secure this appointment, appearing as one of the strong candidates for direct selection to the World Cup. After officiating a final of a FIFA competition, we can certainly believe in his chances. A match of medium level in my opinion, tending toward stability. A good one for him, no doubt about that. Perhaps lacking that extra something, if we really want to say so, but I believe the Swedish, referee is somehow ahead, if we compare the Scandinavian referees, clearly ahead of the Norwegian.
The selection of fourth officials in certain respects, is more interesting than the main appointments themselves. Why? Because we have Gil Manzano working with Makkelie in Bergamo. The referee, who was excluded from the World Cup simply because they called practically all the other Spanish referees except him, will find Italy again in a decisive match, even if a semifinal is not a final, and even if only as fourth official. There is still a basic level of trust in him, because here one might have expected a major name even as fourth official, given the significance of the match, it is clear that there is major focus on Italy, so this is how I interpret it. Indeed, he is one of the most experienced names among those appearing as fourth officials in the other matches. He failed in Ukraine - Italy, but then now again in a Italy's crucial game, even if only as fourth official, only for this reason, maybe arguments for making a different choice here, but not a big deal (of course impossibile to see him with Ukraine, for sure...).
DeleteAs for the rest, we certainly have very calibrated choices relative to the matches themselves, such as Stieler, who will be fourth official in Wales; Lambrechts, the Belgian, for the neutral-venue Ukraine match against Sweden; very good also Rumšas, whose presence might not have been expected but appears for Poland–Albania. However, we must also say the same applies to Walsh in Slovakia–Kosovo.
From this analysis, one can exclude referees who can easily have a second officialm from same country being Elite, accompanying them as fourth official, such as Siebert, who could easily be expected as Zwayer fourth official. Likewise, I expect that in the match officiated by Mariani, possibly a final, there will be another Italian as fourth official. At this point it should be Guida, or possibly Massa, but given how things have been managed, one could imagine Guida.
That said, good as well in Prague for Umut Meler, who nonetheless must be very disappointed after this pre-selection process. I believe that if all those incidents had not happened to the Turkish referee, he would be firmly established, because in certain moments he showed an exciting refereeing style. Unfortunately, much was lost afterward, though almost exclusively not due to his own fault, and so that's it. He may still have time in the future to aim for another major competition, but the World Cup, after all, is the World Cup and he will be out from it.
Heartwarming analysis we appreciate its like I was reading a story.
DeleteI take a bow for this kind of work thanks
Fantastic work, indeed. Thanks, Chefren
DeleteWorld Cup playoff semi-finals:
ReplyDeleteBolivia vs Suriname
Referee: Alireza Faghani AUS
New Caledonia vs Jamaica
Referee: Gustavo Tejera URU
UEFA referee for the 2 finals are expected.
Expected by whom?
Deletewho is the appointments for Var and avar in the game between Turkey - Romania ?
ReplyDeleteDelajod and Brisard (FRA) - information given by SAFE (French Elite referees syndicate)
DeleteLike the 2024 playoffs Kovacs has the Welsh home semi final with Stieler as FO. Although if Wales beat Bosnia I doubt we'll have the same referee as 2024 in the final since Orsato took that game.....
ReplyDeleteIstanbul atmosphore on fire good luck letexier
ReplyDeleteVery soft first yellow from the french ref
ReplyDeletepromising attack
DeleteNot the first foul. Correct YC
DeleteIt was a position that should have been left to advantage rather than being whistled for offside.
ReplyDeleteOnly one player in attack vs 4 defenders, no advantage.
DeleteRather calm game so far for Letexier, contrary to what one could have expected. Correct YC in my opinion, not soft.
ReplyDeleteMissed YC imo at 29 for Mihaila, reckless challenge
ReplyDelete2 clear yc missed by letexier
ReplyDeleteGreat 1h for Letexier, with perfect interpretazione of mood and all the match key moments as well till now.
ReplyDeleteinterpretazione = interpretation. Pardon.
DeleteBad first half. Got 2/3 yc decisions wrong and had nothing else to do anyway.
DeleteI agree with Bgymn
Delete75'Big orange card missed,not the type of leniency we see from Letexier often.
ReplyDeleteHorrible studs on the knee of the romania player in minute 75 and the lextexier thinks its not even worth a yellow
ReplyDeletemissed clear 5 yc for letexier
ReplyDeleteI would have loved to watch Mr. Letexier in a "dirty" match, but the match was played cleanly and the players just wanted to play ball. He was good for foul standards but I think he missed a few yellow cards
ReplyDeleteAverage and very lenient Letexier.
ReplyDeleteBig orange card missed,time management was very questionable and very lenient in booking players for timewasting
Only 3 minutes added and in that 3 minute span we had 2 YC's where plenty time was lost.
Only 30 seconds were added.
This was typical performance from a ref who didn't want anything to go bad for his WC hopes.
Latter comments by Treff and M describe the performance by referee in Istanbul.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't a dirty but rather a fair game, Letexier with a lenient approach, trying to be fully out from spotlights. Missed cards, very evident the one mentioned above.
In the end, nobody will talk about the performance, but from the French one could have expected more. Saving himself after today's game.
Many yc missed bad performance from the french ref.
DeleteWho appoints for European qualifiers referees fifa or uefa
DeleteUEFA, then the appointments are approved by FIFA.
DeleteThe overall standard of performance by François Letexier and his crew was very strong. His game management was excellent, and both teams appeared satisfied with his decisions and control of the match.
ReplyDeleteOne key aspect I noticed was his strong Football understanding of the game. In several situations where referees might typically issue cautions, he showed restraint and managed the game effectively. He recognized that cards could negatively impact not only the flow of game as well future game for world cup for players selection.
he allowed the game to remain physical when appropriate, while still identifying and sanctioning tactical fouls as mandatory yellow card offences.
+ 1
DeleteYep ,but sometimes he allowed too much.
DeleteTimewasting and that orange challenge in 75' was something that he can't allow,he needed to punish that.
@DAMIR: agree, absolutely.
Delete+1
DeleteHere come the letexier fanboys who refuse to admit he has ever has a poor performance
ReplyDeleteIndeed
DeleteSome cards can be managed, but here you can be sure Letexier should have booked: studs close to knee.
ReplyDeleteMandatory YC, small arguments for RC, but the referee with an evident miss here.
https://streambug.org/cv/550478
Sorry Chefren, but with all my respect I disagree: an observer can never seriously evaluate a performance by just a YC issued or not. If Letexier or not, never mind.
DeleteAppalling start to the game by Kovac's failing to deal with the Bosinian thuggery
ReplyDeleteWhatever are you watching!! I felt there was a possible YC missed for SPA after he gave the first one. He has been consistent in his awarding of FKs and has ignored some challenges both ways. So far, so good
DeleteGlad you've said this... He's seemed alert and accurate thus far
DeleteAt least 4 challenges that warranted a YC (including a second YC for the player already carded) ,who stopped a Welsh break with an intentional foul
DeleteI feel he has picked the correct ones so far. (Except 1 missed). At this rate Bosnia are not going to finish with 11, they do seem intent on preventing the Welsh wizards from playing. Half time may fall at the right time
DeleteFor me wrong intervention in Prague
ReplyDeleteYou can count myself as an opponent of the penalty awarded to Ireland. While the defender did indeed fail to play the ball, the contact is minimal and has no impact on the movement of the attacker, and certainly did not cause him to fall as extravagantly as he did.
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteNow correct PK by Nyberg for a holding, debatable card colour but IMO YC is more adequate despite the close distance to goal.
ReplyDeleteNow excellent spot by Nyberg, penalty to Czechia with YC for SPA. Clear holding foul, very good decision.
ReplyDeleteHere the OFR in Prague:
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/c9830c
Very long time, about two minutes before the intervention by Belgian VAR, who made a very long analysis before and it looked like he didn't want to intervene at first glance. There was also the possibility to see a goal scored on the other side.
About the situation, it is a classic Italian penalty, some UEFA VARs seem definitely instructed in this regard.
Ball played by attacker, late or wrong attempt by defender and then penalty in all circumstances. Regardless of intensity and all the rest.
The question to answer in my opinion is the following: can we make this kind of incident as objective?
Wouled you describe this incident as clear and obvious mistake? But the explanation should be the one I mentioned... both looking for the ball, who arrives before the other, wins.
Nyberg was not reactive during the incident, maybe he wouldn't have whistled it, but he didn't give the impression he was in visual control of penalty area (my opinion...).
Every foul is a yellow card for Kovacs... I don't think that's the right attitude.
ReplyDeleteBosnia picking up lots of yellows in Cardiff.
ReplyDeleteTo follow, very quick and elegant (in term of body language) penalty call, following a holding inside the box. Good decision by Swedish referee who was well positioned.
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/646f2e
Rather quiet first half for Makkelie, until the 45' and very last minute of the half in which he had to face the start of a possible mass confrontation. The Dutch referee used a rather physical approach to stop players and the quarrel ended. It's interesting to observe that not all referees are incline to do that, and you must be aware that players must accept you, Makkelie knows that.
ReplyDeleteSame for Felix. Quiet 1st half.
DeleteI have seen here that many likes Pinherio!
ReplyDeleteBow I can see, he is not an Elite, he blows the whistle for nothing if a player goes down, soft freekicks all the time means no football
Not many, just Ahmed.
DeleteThanks, only one!
DeleteYou saw a different game. 7 fouls after 60 minutes of game.
DeleteManagement by Makkelie:
ReplyDeletehttps://streambug.org/cv/be7cbe
Interesting to point out that he didn't refuse to explain something more to Donnarumma when the latter, as Italy captain, asked again him after the previous incident.
Makkelie took a big risk here, but it paid off. Very few referees can afford to do that and come out on top.
DeleteVery close (no-)handball decision in the 50th minute in Slovakia. I think Eskas made a good decision to not award Kosovo a penalty kick. The arm is a bit away from the body, but in a natural position. One has to imagine the VAR would have supported the on-field decision in either case.
ReplyDeleteSFP in Wales maybe?
ReplyDeleteAfter watching it again it looked like sfp! Maybe there was a lack of force?
DeleteI would certainly wouldn't have been shocked if that was a RC. High, contact point above the ankle and with some degree of force. Only mitigation being that it's more of a semi glancing blow rather than studs planting on the leg
DeleteI must have missed this incident; do you have a video?
DeletePinherio?????
ReplyDeleteWas Pinheiro's assistant positioned incorrectly for the penalty that led to the 3-0 goal? According to the latest instructions, they are supposed to stand on the touchline, not on the goal line
ReplyDeleteWasn't that only valid in matches with goal technology? Am I wrong? @chefren
DeleteCaution goalkeeper only to be seen!
ReplyDeleteExcellent advantage from Makkelie for the second ITA goal.
ReplyDeleteA very smart action by the Dutch referee.
Deletehttps://streamff.com/v/fa7497e4
DeletePenalty call by Pinheiro and YC for DOGSO: https://streamff.com/v/a7ac6d97
ReplyDeleteMakkelie was superb tonight: flawless selection of fouls, excellent handling of protests and time-wasting, proper use of cards, and a couple of smart decisions to let play continue. It certainly wasn’t a very difficult game, but it would have been impossible to referee any better than this
ReplyDeleteI agree with every single word. You can see the elements of a top refereeing by him even in games in which one could say you are not challenging that much, but in some games, like the one played today in Bergamo, the challenge is what could happen in case of a referee not in control of it.
DeleteOne could talk about the management of the players in fist half, changing approach when needed, the advantage for the second goal by Italy and the correct card he issued.
Hard to find a mistake.
That's why when we see some referees just making it but without leaving their mark on the game, we can be a bit disappointed.
Vintage performance from Makkelie +1 to both comments
DeleteAgreed, superb from Makkelie
Delete+1. Today I made sure to watch him on Rai 1. Found it very nice to see them praise his performance in the final of the game. I for sure feel the same way they do and possibly more, since day one... I would add that its always a pleasure to see him on the FoP. Bravo, Makkelie!
DeleteThe line of comments with regard to Mr Makkelie is somewhat monotonous today, but I completely share the views stated above.
DeleteDelivering such a performance in a match under high tension is just high class. The devil is in the details, management and personality wise it was a big joy to watch (like old times). Congratulations on this appearance!
Ukraine goal ir seams in offside position
ReplyDeleteYes, and IMO the touch by defender was not a controllable ball, i.e. not deliberate play under current interpretation.
DeleteI agree
DeleteRosetti trusting you with a high-pressure Italy game is one thing, but getting through it without any drama… superb, top job by Makkelie in a tensed game.
ReplyDeleteFelix was fine too. 2nd half Denmark open a big number on goals. Good Control of the match.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that everything went smoothly in Denmark as well! Mr Zwayer had his share of bad luck regarding KMI’s recently, so I’m happy everything went fine in this crucial game.
Delete🙌🏻
DeletePossible penalty for handball 100' but it was probably outside of the box, so no OFR
ReplyDeleteThis has probably been asked a few times but why are they in that adidas kit and not the newer one?
ReplyDeleteI have to imagine its just for consistency throughout the qualification campaign and perhaps to have a brand new kit for the tournament
DeleteDoes anybody know what adidas kit will be used, in the states? Merely curiosity.
DeleteI believe, the adidas 24 was never delivered to UEFA/FIFA, because they didn't cover the EURO24. So they use the kit from the last adidas tournament, ergo WC22.
DeleteBTW, we saw more black referee kits tonight than in all CL games in 2026 combined. :)
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ReplyDeleteIn the blog we have the God Letexier, the God Makkelie and the God Pinheiro....
DeleteJust because Felix had ofrs that he cant have a match with big advantage? His games were always the most difficult ones. And the first half today wasn't easy. Come on.
Makkelie got a WC playoff semifinal, it's quite a reward, what more do you want?
DeleteI’m just saying that some games are higher risk than others! Chefren explained it well in the long post above.
DeletePinheiro is God only for his twin brother mr. Ahmed.
DeleteStieler being kept busy in Cardiff tonight. A few clashes between the benches
ReplyDeleteI can't recall ever seeing 4 added minutes in ET before
ReplyDeleteThere have been many comments criticising Taylor through the last three-four years. However, tonight I was pleasantly surprised by a very good performance, where the ref. used the advantage rule many a time and tried to enable the flow of the game, while knowing how to manage the players and not letting it boil over.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone get a video of the 27th minute challenge by Suriname?
ReplyDeletePredictions
ReplyDeleteBIHITA- Vincic
SWEPOL- Mariani
KOSTUR- Oliver
CZEDEN- Turpin
I mean, there is no much ‘logic’ :)
Vincic probably can't do BIH.
DeleteSo mine would be (under the assumption nobody from UEFA is sent to Mexico):
BIH - ITA: Turpin - Schärer - Brisard
SWE - POL: Vincic - Sanchez - Dingert
KOS - TÜR: Oliver - Hernandez - del Cerro Grande
CZE - DEN: Mariani - Massa - di Bello
Hernandez or Schärer could get the game instead of Mariani, but I think, the Italian is a bit more likely.
RR is not giving Hdz Hdz and Scharer a game when Mariani is available :)
DeleteMy prediction
DeleteBIH - ITA: Turpin - Hernandez - Brisard
SWE - POL: Mariani - Guida - di Bello
KOS - TUR: Oliver - Kavanagh - Kwiatkowski
CZE - DEN: Vincic - Obrenovic - Dingert
Schärer for Congo vs Jamaica/New Caledonia
CAF Referee for Iraq vs Bolivia/Suriname
NL Play-Offs:
LAT - GIB: Massa
LUX - MAL: Sanchez Martinez
Predictions:
ReplyDeleteBIHITA- Vincic
SWEPOL- Mariani
KOSTUR- Oliver
CZEDEN- Turpin
vincic and bosnia no chance..
DeleteBİH - İTA - Turpin
Cze - Den - vincic
KOS - TUR - oliver
Swe - Pol - Mariani
Agree with HB2300, most likely this will be the row
DeleteKosovo and Turkey are Balkan brothers.. maybe with a Balkan referee like vincic ? why not
DeleteLive in Bergamo, good performance by Makkelie but really easy easy match to officiate. Anyway much better performance today than the one he had a couple of months ago in same stadium in CL
ReplyDeleteI seriously doubt Italy is easy to referee, with their antics, influence, and pulling strings. If it looked easy, let’s give the referee the benefit of the doubt. A younger, less experienced ref would’ve buckled under the pressure. Can’t wait for the final. Probably Turpin’s circus again.
DeleteIt depends what you mean about "easy". In purely technical aspects, the match was probably easy - there were a low number of foul duels to assess and there is mostly little to write about disciplinary control. HOWEVER, the pressure felt by everyone (including Makkelie I think) was absolutely extreme until Italy scored and the players played in a remarkably tense manner until that point. The conflict just before halftime -- where Makkelie's very clear push on Nir10 probably did cross the line and a potential violent conduct (neck holding) by Ita21 was missed in the process -- was actually a logical consequence of choices by the Dutch referee regarding dissenting behaviour and not retreating incidents in the first half. Overall Makkelie did well. My grade would be 8,3.
DeleteHere is a nice moment between the Dutch referee and Gattuso after the game:
https://www.streambug.io/cv/06770d
I can report a very good performance by Anthony Taylor in a normal-difficulty POLALB. Controlled the game, applied a no-nonsense approach including correct cautions to Lewandowski and Świderski for dissent/DtR at the end. Some incidents below:
ReplyDelete63' Goal POL, no foul by goal-scorer
https://streamff.link/v/d7d6e715
79' Strange situation - Taylor played an advantage for an alleged foul on Albanian player, then booked 4ALB (for a deliberate headbutt on impeding player?) and the commentator even said that there VAR was checking a possible RC for VC to 4ALB. However, the play was restarted with a throw-in to Albania...
https://streamff.link/v/be581d29
88' YC 8ALB for reckless tackle; correct sanction as there is no DOGSO (another defender able to compete with the attacker) and the tackle being reckless but live most people expected a RC
https://streamff.link/v/ed3ab649
90+3' Missed YC 5POL for holding and DtR
https://streamff.link/v/d32a97fe
90+6' PAI rejected, no replay but easy to judge there was nothing
https://streamff.link/v/78a9ea4a
Good to hear about a positive performance overall.
DeleteHowever, I'm not trying to criticize him, I would say that about anyone: but why stand still like a post when Poland scored the 1-1? Signaling the midfield, showing that you are in the game, showing some interest... honestly for me it gives a terrible impression based on body language, which is almost nonexistent.
In 78' again for me a not convincing management, it's OK in the end but nothing more. Taylor maybe not exactly realizing what had happened and playing advantage, then VAR checked for a possible RC to Albanian player but YC was OK.
80': classic case in which red card would be possible for the action of attacking the opponent without any intent to play ball, we discussed it for Munuera in the derby, different incident this one, but the principle is the same, here a red card would have been by far more appropriate, but the Englissh referee was lenient. Not a mistake, but a controversial decision, people would have liked and accepted RC.
In 90'+3 I agree he should have booked for SPA and then also for the reaction by opponent. Here you can see exactly when a referee doesn't want to engage himself that much.
90'+6 impossible to say, should be maybe OK to play on.
Based on these clips, I can say it was just officiating a game by Taylor, having to do that. But in terms of motivations and appearance on the pitch, where is the English referee?
I totally agree with both of you noticing the questionable decision-making in the 79th minute. I also understand Chefren's attitude towards Taylor's reaction when Poland's equaliser was scored, though I think he wanted to check if nobody was hurt at the moment. Secondly, there is room to add a positive relating to this incident: Taylor refrained from the usual positioning of referees when corner-kicks are taken - standing somewhere around the penalty-area line - and chose a less panoramic view but a more menacing position, some 6-7 metres deeper, to put some heat on the players and pressuring them to have second thoughts before they try to push and shove.
DeleteThanks for your excellent answer, these comments are the value of the blog, adiro.
DeleteChefren, thank you very much for the kind words, and certainly for the invaluable blog and the efforts and time you dedidacte to make it such.
DeleteThe above-reported no-penalty call after handball in SVKKOS:
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.link/v/f2310142
One should have expected at first a reaction by refere who had a good view on it, very likely he couldn't make an assessment. Said that, especially with the Italian approach about handballs, this one should have been whistled, arm not close to body and the defender could have avoided that. You have on the contrary as argument for playing on the very late deflection by opponent, but still...
DeleteI think we can just say that wastching Eskas making an assessment live would have been better, he didn't give the idea to be in focus with this call.
Possible SFP in WALBIH
ReplyDeletehttps://streamff.link/v/172ca47c
The intensity can save the player. Not a mandatory VAR intervention if you ask me, but more controversial YC than RC.
DeleteTo be fair on first viewing I thought YC was correct as I had missed the initial contact point live. When you see it again I would argue RC. Surely this is exactly what VAR is for? "Need you just to have a look. Confirm you have seen where the contact was"
DeleteDoes anyone have any information about Zwayer and his performance?
ReplyDeleteI just told up there :>) but he did fine.
DeleteMy selection:
ReplyDeleteBosnia and Herzegovina vs Italia - Turpin
Kosovo vs Turkey - Vincic
Czechia vs Denmark - Oliver
Sweden vs Poland - Mariani
"Vincic refereed a derby in Turkey last year at the invitation of the Turkish Football Federation. He even warmed up in a Turkish national kit. i think this appointment would not be fair."
DeleteSo by your logic, if he refs a derby at Disneyland by their invitation and warms up with the Disneyland kit, now he cant ref any match involving Disneyland again?
DeleteThe example you gave is ridiculous and it’s not the same thing at all
DeleteGuys, I have bad news. Vincic cant ref at Disney anymore...He went there to ref a derby and even warm up with the Disney kit now it wouldnt be fair. «Its not the same thing at all» I only changed Turkey with Disneyland, now all of a sudden its ridiculous. Sorry Mickey
DeleteSomething unfortunate has happened here 😬.
DeleteNo replay of the 90’ challenge by Suriname, but it is one I would like to see again.
ReplyDeleteSad to once again report insufficient added time in a decisive World Cup qualifier. The ball wasn’t even in play until at least a minute and a half into additional time, plus several delays and multiple YCs for time wasting, someone needs to help me with the arithmetic of how Faghani only found an extra minute and a half within the +10. This style of refereeing encourages teams to take these horribly unattractive time wasting tactics.
ReplyDeleteUkraine goal: the touch by defender according to current guidelines is always assessed as deflection, now in this game there was a contrary assessment. Need for clarity. Luckily this was just a marginal call, but...
ReplyDeleteVideo:
https://streambug.org/cv/bb4042
DeleteThey show the lines after and the player was onside.
In that case, correct decision. But the player looked to be in offside.
DeleteThey show the lines after and the player was onside.
ReplyDeleteSensational performance from Makkelie. Where do I begin? Everything he does oozes pure class, confidence, you see how the players respect his every call. He moves so graciously, never in the way, always alert. With a performance like this surely the CL and WC finals should be all but guaranteed. I promise, we won't see a refereeing performance like this possibly ever again. This is the stuff of dreams, to see a ref in such command, never a single doubt about a call. Wow...
ReplyDeleteImpressive commitment to sarcasm. As usual. Shame it comes at the cost of saying anything meaningful. I’d be interesting to hear your opinions on referees without the constant sarcasm.
DeleteObservers for the finals:
ReplyDeleteBosnia Ingvarsson
Sweden Trefoloni
Kosovo Fandel
Czech Tritsonis
Based on the nationality of the referees who should be there, I think the most interesting argument is that Mariani would be out from two games, the one with Italy and the other with Trefoloni, so the Italian crew is assigned whethere for Kosovo or Czech. More important observer in Kosovo, Fandel, than the Greek in Czech Republic, so I think Mariani could be in Pristina.
This one about to be a potentially very challenging game, it would have been different if in played in Turkey.
I think we can say this one in Kosovo and the other in Bosnia will be the most challenging of the four.
The other two, for other reasons, being a level below, in my opinion.
Also, one should discuss whether Vincic could meet Bosnia, not only because Slovenia is close country (no problem for that), but if you remember more about the famous past of the Slovenian Elite referee...
Tricky, but let’s break it down step by step.
DeleteOliver:
- Path A (Italy): unlikely
- Path B: doesn’t make sense after Taylor and Oliver was already observed by Trefoloni this season
- Path D: seemed unlikely because of Ireland
→ That basically leaves Path C (Pristina). That said, I’m not fully convinced Oliver and his typical English style is the right fit for Kosovo vs Turkey. So Path D might still be in play after all with Ireland out?
Vinčić:
- Path D (Prague): ruled out - Tritsonis observed him recently
- Path A (Bosnia): doesn’t feel logical
→ That could leave Path B (Sweden) with Trefoloni (FIFA instructor). Still, I’d normally expect Vinčić to get a regular observer; he’s “safe.” So there’s also a scenario where Vincic ends up in Path C (Kosovo) instead.
Turpin:
Path A (Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Italy) feels like a classic Turpin appointment. Unless Rosetti decides to throw someone under the bus (which I really hope he doesn’t).
Remaining options:
That leaves Schärer or a Spaniard (Hdz Hdz) for the remaining path.
And realistically, that should be Path B, since Trefoloni is a FIFA instructor, meaning a referee who strongly needs a FIFA observation is expected there.
Final guess
• Path A – Turpin
• Path B – Schärer / Hdz
• Path C – Vinčić
• Path D – Oliver
Mariani an intercontinental play-off?
You are absolutely right about Trefoloni observation, it was my thought as well, Hernandez Hernandez absolutely possible here, so this would change many things. No need for a big name to be observed by Trefoloni. While the name in Czech Republic indicates the most regular assignment there (Oliver?).
DeleteI think it's possible for an referee from a Balkan country to be appointed to a match between two other Balkan countries. Rosetti usually does this. For instance, he appointed Kovacs to the game between Serbia vs. Albania
DeleteBalkan is not the problem, but IMO it's something different, if the countries (of referee and team) are both from former Yugoslavia. E.g., this didn't happen at all in this qualifying campaign.
DeleteSo in my opinion unlikely to see Vincic with BIH or KOS (and also rather not in group D due to MKD) - but we'll see.
Do you all agree that the use of the YC for general control matters is one of the key tools in the referee's game management armoury?
ReplyDeleteI ask because it seems to me that some contributors to this blog are very focused on dissecting whether each YC or missed YC is technically correct, in some cases vehemently agreeing or disagreeing with individual decisions to emphasise and/or support their viewpoint on the abilities of a particular referee.
One of the things that draws me to this blog is the balance the blog leaders provide by considering the overall management strategy of the referee and even background factors for a particular approach on a particular day at a particular venue with particular pressures, teams and personalities.
Personally, I expect the top referees to trust their judgement on the use of cards in the heat of the action. Sometimes their management approach for a particular game works and sometimes it doesn't. If it doesn't, the recognition of that and the ability and timing to adjust the approach during a game becomes part of their advanced skill set and assessment criteria for future selections (hopefully!). Unless it is a key, potentially game changing RC/YC decision - which of course can be discussed in that context - I personally enjoy the emphasis on analysing the overall management of game.
Yes and no.
DeleteOf course, there is a big grey area for YCs, where the referee can decide, whether they would be useful for game management or not. And indeed the right selection there is a big factor in the referee's performance.
But there are two things to consider as well:
Some situations are just mandatory cautions.
And the card selection must be fair for both teams. E.g., if one team plays a lot more physically, a lenient style by the referee would be more benifical for them.
According to some still unofficial news, Uefa will have 16 referees at WC this year!
ReplyDeleteIf the news are unofficial...
DeleteI can’t really picture it. There are 17 names on the seminar list, incl two Spanish refs and Peljto. The latter is the easiest cut given the way he’s been treated (pretty inhumane btw). I also doubt Spain deserves two refs; that wouldn’t be fair to someone like Siebert. What wouldn’t surprise me, though, is if there are at least two support officials.
DeleteHere’s my take on the potential UEFA list. It is obviously difficult to draw firm conclusions without knowing the exact number of slots available, but based on recent appointment patterns, this is how I read the situation. For clarity, this is intended as a neutral analysis of selection dynamics, not my personal “preference” list.
ReplyDeleteAt the top end, (1) Turpin, (2) Vinčić and (3) Oliver look like absolute locks. Even in the unlikely event of controversy in a play-off final, I do not see their positions being seriously threatened.
Similarly, (4) Marciniak remains a near certainty given the strong backing he enjoys within FIFA through Collina/Busacca. The only minor question mark is his fitness test and whether it must be passed next week or can be deferred.
(5) Makkelie has arguably worked his way back into contention in impressive fashion. After a relatively underwhelming previous season, he has shown real resilience. There have been no notable errors in UEFA competitions this year, no controversy, and crucially he has become a reliable go-to referee for high-risk or politically sensitive fixtures. That profile is highly valued at FIFA level.
(6) Letexier is too good to leave at home despite being the second French candidate. His career trajectory will be interesting to follow. He is still relatively young but already has a EURO final under his belt. That achievement could paradoxically work against him if the unwritten rule about not combining EURO and the World Cup final quietly exists, as was once the case with Collina.
(7) Kovács is a more complex case. Personally, I find him somewhat erratic. He is capable of strong performances but also prone to inserting himself into the spotlight through his disciplinary approach. He also does not strike me as someone who would benefit from increased transparency tools like public VAR explanations. That said, he has clearly benefited from strong backing, particularly through Kyros Vassaras.
(8) Taylor, as the second English referee, is having a very solid (!) season, arguably much stronger than 2024-2025. It is notable how he continues to deliver despite the limitations and scrutiny surrounding him. Well done, mr Taylor.
(9) Nyberg and (10) Eskås both appear to have received extensive FIFA monitoring. That typically signals serious consideration, and surely as a field referee (“CR”).
(11) Mariani represents a good example of how timing and political capital play into appointments. Italian influence within UEFA and FIFA has been leveraged smartly, with exposure at the right moments such as a U-20 final and selected UEFA fixtures without excessive risk. The flip side is that someone with a weaker passport like Peljto may have been squeezed out in the process, which again underlines the political influences in the appointment policy.
(12) Zwayer seems to have had an element of misfortune this season, and because of that, to me he looks slightly less composed on the field of play than before. Nevertheless, the decision to position him as Germany’s leading candidate appears to have been taken some time ago, effectively from the moment Siebert dropped off the list. Interestingly, Siebert himself is having a very steady and strong season. Zwayer, meanwhile, has been appointed more under the radar, which feels like a deliberate strategy to shield him from further scrutiny and avoid controversy.
That leaves us with the remaining spots, where things become more speculative. Do we need (13) a Spanish referee? The recent carousel, including the addition of Hernández, raises more questions than answers. It is fair to ask whether he truly merits selection over candidates like Siebert or Pinheiro.
DeleteOn Pinheiro (14), recently promoted but not always matched with appointments that reflect that status, for example AUT vs BIH and Juventus vs Galatasaray. One could argue those were deliberate setups to build a case against him and ultimately drop him in favour of the injury prone Schärer (15), who nonetheless benefits from strong Swiss backing. However, selecting Schärer would be difficult to justify if he has already missed two FIFA tournaments, unless another candidate collapses entirely. Pinheiro initially not receiving a Round of 16 appointment after Juventus vs Galatasaray seemed to confirm that he had been rejected, possibly in favour of Schärer. However, his reappearance in the play-offs complicates that narrative. It is also worth noting that the Portuguese has already officiated two semi finals at FIFA level, so there is clearly a degree of trust. Still, within this group he remains something of a rookie, and I would currently see him more as a support official than a main referee, should he make the list at all. Let’s see. The final list will be announced on April 7th.