Appointments of match officials at 2026 FIFA World Cup, Quarterfinals.
Match #97
Quarterfinals
9 July 2026, 22:00 CET
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough
FRANCE - MOROCCO
Referee: Facundo Tello ARG
Assistant Referee 1: Juan Pablo Belatti ARG
Assistant Referee 2: Gabriel Chade ARG
Fourth Official: Dario Herrera ARG
Reserve AR: Cristian Navarro ARG
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Match #98
Quarterfinals
10 July 2026, 21:00 CET
SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
SPAIN - BELGIUM
Referee: Michael Oliver ENG
Assistant Referee 1: Stuart Burt ENG
Assistant Referee 2: James Mainwaring ENG
Fourth Official: Ramon Abatti BRA
Reserve AR: Rafael Alves BRA
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Match #99
Quarterfinals
11 July 2026, 23:00 CET
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens
NORWAY - ENGLAND
Referee:
Assistant Referee 1:
Assistant Referee 2:
Fourth Official:
Reserve AR:
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Match #100
Quarterfinals
12 July 2026, 03:00 CET
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City
ARGENTINA - SWITZERLAND
Referee:
Assistant Referee 1:
Assistant Referee 2:
Fourth Official:
Reserve AR:
Video Assistant Referee:
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 :
VAR? MOROCCO VS FRANCE
ReplyDeleteA well-deserved and rather expected appointment. Good luck señor Tello & team! Now that we have two all-European QF games, is it possible we will see an entire tournament with confederation neutrality?
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteProbably. It just shows that Argentina chose all their referees in Qatar
DeleteSo now the tables have turned All 5 officials from the same nation interesting as well surprised
ReplyDeleteTello very much expected for a QF
Make sense from a communication point of view and also the fact they have worked together before but why wait till now to do it? It
DeleteAnd Argentina isn’t even eliminated (yet).
ReplyDeleteHerrera chosen over of Falcon is a bit surprising, because Falcon clearly is the higher ranked Argentinan in the tournament. But maybe there are factors, which make Herrera the better choice for that role.
ReplyDeleteTello's appointment confirms, that a direct QF with no R32 and R16 is possible, which should be reassuring for Marciniak and Ramos.
Anyone want to speculate what factors make him more suitable? Or the preferred over the higher ranked referee?
DeleteI doubt that Ramos will get a third appointment- not convincing. Marciniak directly for a Semi seems also possible. But what about Vincic then, he deserves a 4th game.
ReplyDeleteThe race for the final referee seems very open, it all depends of the progress of the teams. Or it will be Faghanis big moment...
Marciniak could do England v Norway
DeleteTello published a few before the start of Argentina game, could have they waited two or three hours more at this point, for a different management of the referee from Argentina?
ReplyDeleteDecided from yesterday
DeleteThis could mean they have no other plans with Tello than this QF; no matter if Argentine suceeds or not.
ReplyDeleteThis is another risk. Why does Collina and FIFA keep doing this? In 2022, they assigned Tello, an Argentine to the quarterfinals involving Portugal who were one of the favourites, despite being aware of the CR7 and Messi rivalry. Now it is is France with Mbappé.
ReplyDeleteThat caised a lot of controversy especially after Morocco was knocked out.
Now, he's been appointed to another favourite, France with Mbappé. Things could go wrong again and it becomes another scandal. Especially if you think about all the discussions around perceived favoritism towards Messi and Argentina.
No doubt Tello is a great and professional official. But sometimes, common sense should prevail in scenarios like this.
Because this year they're not even hiding it
DeleteBut Tello was actually pretty good in the match between Portugal and Morocco. Morocco even got a red card and played with 10 men for several minutes.
DeleteI expect Morocco to protest against the appointment of an Argentine referee for the match against France following the pro-Argentine and anti-Arab performance of the French referee.
ReplyDeleteCome on that would be an insane thing to do.
DeleteWho is to be expected in a heated potential ARG-COL quarterfinal? Ramos or another appointment for Barton if he doesnt get the final?
ReplyDeleteMakkelie?
DeleteThat's the hardest game to predict, I think.
DeleteYou have several UEFA options: Marciniak, Turpin (both have refereed one of the teams in the tournament, but experience and quality could prevail), Pinheiro, Nyberg, Vincic
Then Ramos, as you mention.
Barton would repeat COL, so that's unlikely.
And finally, a CONMEBOL referee (one of the Brazilians or Valenzuela) isn't impossible as well.
But overall, Marciniak, Turpin and Vincic seem most likely to me.
Marciniak has refereed Argentina numerous times recently, including once at this World Cup and twice at the previous one. His reappointment would generate mixed reviews. I think Ramos or Sampaio are the candidates, or Turpin if we want a European referee.
DeleteIf we are talking about Marciniak, I think he is a good alternative to Norway with England
DeleteI really think another Marciniak appointment with ARG would raise too many questions, especially considering this recent ARG game is seen as very controversial. On the (IMO) off chance that the swiss go through perhaps that creates even more issues for Collina if neutrality is to be upheld. Then CONCACAF appointment is maybe guaranteed unless Faghani is to be sacrified?
DeleteIf it is ARG-SUI, Ramos would be the obvious solution, I think.
DeleteAnd yes, I would also not like Marciniak again for ARG. But you could argue, that he would be the strongest option for the most difficult game.
For NOR-ENG, the options are basically the same, but chances are higher to see a less experienced name (Pinheiro maybe?).
@Philipp S NOR X ENG maybe Felix?
DeleteI believe, Makkelie and Zwayer have no chance given their 4th official appointment. If they were considered for another game, one could have used UEFA referees as 4th, who won't referee again.
DeleteIf they are considered for another game, why would you NOT use them as 4th? Really don’t see the logic behind this line of reasoning.
DeleteIf Argentina v Colombia, if they keep uefa etc neutrality then 100% it be Sampio or Claus ! And I would prefer Claus
ReplyDeleteVincic has been praised for technically good performances..... could he be thrown to the lions here? I think if its a south American itll be Valenzuela, and if it isn't him then hes being saved for the final. A Venezualan referee appointed the final given the current situation there would be something I could see Infantino wanting to win back brownie points for the chaos hes caused so far
DeleteI think Valenzuela would be appointed to Spain v Belgium, and if there is no controversy, straight to the final. Remember the earthquake in Venezuela weeks ago.
ReplyDeleteIf Swiss won v Colombia, Ramos in QF. If Colombia won v Swiss, either Vincic or Marciniak, and that will be the last game for them.
Norway v England I think Makkelie.
In semifinal, Sampaio and Marciniak/Ramos or even for surprise, add Mariani, considering his age.
I still hope and pray that Faghani would be appointed to the final.
Chances are with the USA out the Donald has told Infantino and Bussaca his man is in the middle with the USA girl as VAR. The Don has sorted it
ReplyDeleteWith the US out and with the way Infantino lives to please the petulant orange despot. I have a feeling that the referee for the Final has sadly gone from being "penciled in" to written in permanent ink.
DeleteReferee: Ismail Elfath USA
Assistant Referee 1: Corey Parker USA
Assistant Referee 2: Kyle Atkins USA
Fourth Official: Tori Penso USA
Reserve AR: Brooke Mayo or Kathryn Nesbitt USA
Video Assistant Referee: Armando Villarreal USA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 1 : Joe Dickerson USA
Assistant Video Assistant Referee 2 : YOUR CHOICE
AVAR2 Donald J Trump. That way he too gets a winners medal
DeleteThat's a great idea! He can put the medal next to incoherent Infantino Peace Prize.
DeleteNot to mention the original World Cup club trophy he kept. (That’s why they never let him near the actual World Cup)
DeleteHe'll be front and center making a fool of himself at the trophy presentation.
DeleteI was wondering in case of Colombia had beaten Switzerland, if Colina would have keep the confederation "non neutrality" when teams of the same confederation play together. We will never know.
ReplyDeleteFor the Spain Vs Belgium and Norway vs England there are two options: either Eskas, Makéli and Zwayer are only working as 4th official which will lead to Marciniak, Vincic, Nyberg and Pinheiro to officiate these 2 games. Ot they are working and as 4th which means they will be there until semifinals and will for sure referee these games of QF
After today where are “The Boring Letexiertes” in this blog? finally all convinced that even the UEFA goldenboy can have a bad day? Is this a superior performance which someidiots want to say here in a lot of previois topics? For me is the same like any other CONCACAF, CONMEBOL, AFC , CAF standard. All in low level. After Balogum scandal and today for me can anyone be in charge by final. This tourment is damaged! But this is important to show that UEFA isnt superior in anything, just have more money and due this the football starts plays there. Nothing more.
ReplyDeleteHave you watched a different game? 🤦♂️
Delete100% agree
DeleteNo. The same, but your french supporter condition blind you to see how a refereeing team can be extremely strict in reviewing every play 2 minutes before a goal for one side, and for the other be quick and without analysis, like a referee on the field maintaining an extremely high foul line for one team and applying the rule to the extreme for the other. I won't even comment on PK, just like the management of benefits for Argentina. Unnecessary and obvious to anyone.
DeleteThe number of interactions the FIFA Twitter account has received since that Facundo Tello statement is incredible…
ReplyDeletehttps://x.com/fifacom/status/2074523844950315436?s=46
Predictions:
ReplyDeleteFRA-MAR Tello
SPA-BEL Mariani
ENG-NOR Vincic
ARG-SWI Ramos
Semifinals:
Marchianiak and Sampaio
Final:
Elfath
Barton definitely deserves one more match.. he is the best referee in this world cup
Delete100% agree with you but Elfath and Ramos come from host country and they are more experience referees, so difficult to see him again.
DeleteFirst mistake in my predictions, Oliver for the 2nd quarterfinal. Collina loves him and he gave him a match before he can't do it for England team involved.
This scenario is set up perfectly for Collina to sacrifice and burn off important and experienced non UEFA and CONMEBOL referees.
ReplyDeleteArgentina v Switzerland could be either Ramos or Faghani. Because as we’ve seen so far no referee has managed to come out of an Argentina match unscathed. They’ve all had incidents that have left people saying “hmmmm”.
I think Fischer did quite well. Although also some softer fouls given for Argentina but, at least, no penalties or any other match-deciding pro-Argentina decisions.
DeleteElfath isn't getting the final. It'll be Ramos if CONCACAF gets it. Do we really think Trump will care about an immigrant American ref getting the final.
ReplyDeleteGot it. So then Penso for the Final? Can’t get anymore ‘Murica than blonde and blue eyed.
DeleteIt won't be Ramos.
DeleteA Mexican in the spotlight on the biggest stage on US soil at the most watched single sporting event? Nope. The orange despot won't have it. Let's take a look at what he thinks about Mexicans.
"When Mexico sends its people, they're not sending their best... They're sending people that have lots of problems, and they're bringing those problems with us. They're bringing drugs. They're bringing crime. They're rapists."
Spain-Belgium: Michael Oliver
ReplyDeleteJust published by FIFA
DeleteNice management Spain in sequence had 2 English refs...
DeleteSpain vs Belgium
ReplyDeleteReferee: OLIVER Michael (ENG)
Assistant Referee 1: BURT Stuart (ENG)
Assistant Referee 2: MAINWARING James (ENG)
Fourth Official: RAMON ABATTI (BRA)
Reserve AR : RAFAEL ALVES (BRA)
I heard inside the leading candidate for the final is Faghani as a "send-off game" after Ish had to be sent to the monitor for the penalty
ReplyDeleteBut Faghani also had two OFRs.
DeleteNothing makes sense in this competition anymore.
Yes but Ish thought the penalty was simulation of. Faghani's incident were more "acceptable" especially the kane penalty. but yes i agree nothing makes sense
DeleteAn Iranian is not getting the final in the USA....
DeleteBut Faghani publicly opposes the current regime in Tehran, no?
DeleteAlso that they weren't too happy with Makhadmeh describing him as a "robot"
ReplyDeleteIs Turpin a possibility in England-Norway? Also wondering who will end up *failing* Argentina-Switzerland (no matter who referees the outcome/optics is always the same). Also why not Ramos in France-Morocco, Tello is unnecessary imo.
ReplyDeleteI hope to see Turpin, given performance and experience he deserves an other game
DeleteI’m 99% sure Turpin will be the man for Eng Nor. No violation of confederation neutrality. A big football focused game, sounds like a typical UCL Turpin-like game. Plus, it is probably the last call to appoint Turpin, assuming France will beat Morocco.
DeleteIvan Barton is the best referee in the tournament. I hope he gets to officiate at least one more game; he deserves it..
ReplyDelete+1
DeleteI disagree. He was not bad, but definitely not the best. Too chaotic for the biggest games.
DeletePredictions:
ReplyDeleteENG-NOR Turpen
ARG-SWI Vincic
My predicition for Argentine Swiss- Vincic, so we can expect confederation neutrality will be broken there. About England Norway- would give it to Letexier. Second choice would be Turpin!
ReplyDeleteLetexier immediately after the latest RO16
DeleteA somewhat surprising nomination for Oliver, but certainly deserved. So who can we expect to see in NOR-ENG? Turpin or Marciniak seem possible.
ReplyDeleteEven more interesting is who will get the ARG-SUI. I wonder if it will be Vincic and they will break the confederation's neutrality rule.
ReplyDeleteI dont know what to make of Olivers appointment...... is it a last hurrah or is it covering him in case England make it to the semis? In which case surely Turpin makes an appearance somewhere too
ReplyDeleteI thought Abtatti went home so interesting hes still here.
I think it's the latter preparing for a situation where England and France advances - which you're right does mean we could see Turpin one more time. I wonder if they'll wait to see France v Morocco match first before appointing Turpin - if France loses then Turpin could referee the other semis .
DeleteDoes anyone know what happened to Kovacs? I never hear his name mentioned anymore
ReplyDeleteYes, it's a bit strange, that he wasn't appointed as 4th official yet. So there is a very small chance, that we misunderstood his status and he could still get a game.
DeleteIf I am seeing it correctly, Kovacs, Mohamed, Marciniak and Ramos are the only referees without appearance in the KO stage so far.
Marciniak and Ramos are expected to get another game, Mohamed might get a SF 4th for some CAF representation, but the plan for Kovacs is unclear.
I won't be surprised if the final will go to Vincic or Mariani
ReplyDeleteVery good appointment for Oliver
ReplyDeleteBy now everything in this competition has become so absurdly weird (including referee performances and appointments) I have big trouble justifying myself to continue watching it.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that is also importnat. We will se will Brisard be appointed again in VAR Room. If that happend,meaning the good job!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, some flowers to me called it will be Oliver for Spain Belgium after full time at USA BEG ,
ReplyDeleteFor your information Oliver has the best outstanding ref from UEFA along . but all I saw down play his performances with EASY MATCH nonsense
How can say easy game at the biggest stage of the ALL and U all look surprised as I repeatedly mentioned Taylor is among the best and given a Derby KO
Even though Iván Barton is only 34 years old, he was one of the best referees in this tournament. It seems impossible for him to be assigned to a final match due to his age, but I think he will be appointed to the bronze medal match.
ReplyDeleteIMO, what should happen is, that the best performers from each confederation are used for the final 4 games.
ReplyDeleteI.e. Valenzuela for CONMEBOL, Barton for CONCACAF and Makhadmeh for AFC.
For UEFA it's more difficult, because the best performers might be hindered by their national teams and after that it's tight (between Pinheiro, Nyberg and Vincic in my opinion). I would wait for the exact games before taking a decision there (e.g. Pinheiro for ESP and Nyberg for NOR also seems quite unlikely).
The permutation between those 4 last referees also should depend on the pairings, that happen.
For this to be plausible, Ramos in ARG-SUI and Marciniak NOR-ENG would supply those referees, who probably also need another game.
Sampaio would be out in that case, but he had three nice appointments and wasn't among the top10 performers IMO, so I would deem that acceptable.
That is more my wish than a prediction. :)
If FIFA CHOOSE CONFEDRATION NEUTRALITY IN FINAL ,AND NO UEFA, I WILL GO WITH FAGHANI AS FIRST AND ELFATH AS SECOND.
DeleteOn the topic of Barton:
ReplyDeleteOne must say that for each and every game involving the "dark arts" (Argentina and Paraguay in particular from what I've seen), the performance of Barton in PAR - TUR rises in esteem. During the match I did find his style and presence on the pitch somewhat excessive, bordering on aggressive. I now completely retract any such opinions.
What later games have shown IMO, in particular Jayed and Tantashev with Paraguay and Letexier to some extent yesterday, is that the "Barton way" perhaps has been the only way. I now wonder how many of the Uefa referees we would describe as "the best" could have kept such games under control in a similar way to what Barton accomplished in his debut.
If the ARG-SUI become another tight affair with Argentina then it will be interesting to see if it can be handled differentely. Perhaps Ramos is the best fit, speaking broadly I do feel an CONCACAF appointment is the preferred possibility.
+1
Delete