2026 World Cup, France vs. Morocco: Didier Deschamps Doesn’t Mince Words on the Controversial Selection

The refereeing controversies at the 2026 World Cup don’t end with the much-debated officiating of Argentina’sEgypt, which ended 3–2 (with the Albiceleste staging a comeback from a 0–2 deficit in the final minutes) under the widely contested officiating of French referee François Letexier. On the eve of the quarterfinal between France and Morocco, the decision to appoint an Argentine, Facundo Tello, has reignited the debate: many insiders believe that, at this stage of the tournament, FIFA should avoid assigning referees from national teams still in the running.

France, however, is taking a calm approach. Didier Deschamps, at a press conference, chose to speak plainly on this point, attempting to defuse any tension by shifting the narrative: “We can’t do anything about the appointments, but we have no reason to doubt them,” he said. “I hope the referee is as good as Letexier was, but our opponent on the field will be Morocco, certainly not the referee.”

Deschamps’ words stand in stark contrast to the criticism leveled by Egyptian head coach Hossam Hassan and the players on the North African team, which were particularly harsh following the match against Argentina due to a goal disallowed by VAR for a foul committed on the other side of the field at the start of the play, and the controversial third goal by the Albiceleste, which the Pharaohs claim resulted from an illegal play by the Argentines in the opposing penalty area.

The match between France and Morocco will kick off the quarterfinals at 10 p.m. Italian time on Thursday, July 9: followed by Spain vs. Belgium at 9 p.m. on Friday, July 10; Norway vs. England at 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 11; and Argentina vs. Switzerland at 3 a.m. Italian time between Saturday, July 11, and Sunday, July 12. The winner of France vs. Morocco will face the winner of Spain vs. Belgium, while the winner of Norway vs. England will face either Argentina or Switzerland.