2026 World Cup: Argentine Referee for France-Morocco Match Sparks Controversy

The controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup never seem to end. After Egypt’s direct accusations against FIFA regarding the refereeing of their loss to Argentina, France is now up in arms over the appointment of the refereeing team for their quarterfinal match against Morocco. The team is, in fact, composed entirely of Argentine referees: the head referee will be 44-year-old Facundo Tello. Joining him will be his compatriots Juan Pablo Belatti, Gabriel Chade, Dario Herrera, and Cristian Navarro. There is no shortage of skepticism in Paris regarding FIFA’s decision, which many believe will only add fuel to the fire.

In Argentina, too, many had complained in recent days about the selection of a French refereeing crew for the match against Egypt, even though, paradoxically, it was the North Africans who protested at the end of the match. At the team’s training camp in France, the issue is inevitably being discussed, although Dayot Upamecano has tried to downplay the matter: “I’m not going to focus on who the referee will be. We’ve never done that before; we’ll focus on Morocco. What we want to do is win this game—that’s the most important thing.”

“We mustn’t give in to paranoia; it’s your job to fuel the controversy. There’s been some resentment for a few years now, ever since the last final in 2022; it’s part of the game. If these referees are there, it’s because they’re up to the task,” echoed Robin Risser.

Facundo Tello is officiating his sixth World Cup match, his third in this tournament. He’s particularly known for his tough style and for never hesitating to issue red cards during games. France had complained about the treatment they received during and after the match against Paraguay, where no South American player was booked despite the rough play by Coach Alfaro’s team, while three yellow cards were issued to the French.