Sharp words from "France" on the referee selection controversy ahead of the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal match.
On 9 July 2026, the 2026 World Cup saw another drama arise before the first quarterfinal match between France and Morocco, scheduled for tonight at 3:00 a.m. on Friday, 10 July, Thai time.
France has a strong chance of facing Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final, as they are in opposite brackets and are currently the only two teams undefeated in all five matches from the group stage through the round of 16.
However, FIFA has appointed an all-Argentinian referee team of five officials — including the main referee, assistant referees, and the reserve official — raising concerns about impartiality and fears that it might hinder France from reaching the final. This follows Egypt's recent criticism that referees favored the "defending champions," leading to their exit in the round of 16.
Main referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina)
Assistant referee 1: Juan Pablo Belatti (Argentina)
Assistant referee 2: Gabriel Chade (Argentina)
Fourth official: Dario Herrera (Argentina)
Reserve assistant referee: Cristian Navarro (Argentina)
Nonetheless, Didier Deschamps, head coach of France, responded sharply to the issue of the all-Argentinian referee team, saying, "We have to handle it. I trust the referees. Our opponent is Morocco, not the referees."
Similarly, Robin Risser, France's third-choice goalkeeper, said, "There may be some lingering resentment (between France and Argentina) since the last final, but that's part of the game. If these referees have been appointed, it's because they meet the standards appropriate for this level of competition."
