FIFA Appoints Five Argentine Referees for the France vs. Morocco Quarterfinal Match
In an exciting development ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, it has been announced that five Argentine referees have been appointed to officiate the highly anticipated match between France and Morocco. This match is scheduled to take place on July 9, 2026, at the Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts, USA. The refereeing team includes Facundo Tello as the main referee, with Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade serving as assistant referees, while Darío Herrera will act as the fourth official and Cristian Navarro will fulfill the role of Reserve Assistant Referee (RAR).
Argentina secured a thrilling place in the quarterfinals after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt, a match filled with controversial calls and intense moments. Lionel Messi and his team managed to stage a comeback from a two-goal deficit, which not only delighted fans of the "Albiceleste" but also sparked a heated discussion about the officiating in the match across social media platforms and news outlets.
In light of the contentious nature of the previous game, FIFA decided to assign French referee François Letexier to oversee this upcoming match, supported by two fellow countrymen as assistants. This choice has raised eyebrows, particularly considering the historical rivalry that has developed between Argentina and France, further intensified by the nail-biting final of the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar, where Argentina triumphed in a penalty shootout.
The inclusion of three Argentine referees in a World Cup match is a first in the tournament's history, reflecting FIFA's trust in their capabilities. The match, featuring the likes of "Les Bleus" and the Moroccan national team, is set to kick off at 16:00 local time on the day of the event. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the referees will manage what promises to be a thrilling encounter.
As reported by t13.cl.
