14/06/2026 19:24 - Deportes
Árbitro profesional de fútbol en el centro del campo con silbato y tarjeta amarilla, estadio moderno con gradas llenas, iluminación nocturna, ambiente de Mundial
FIFA confirmed that referee François Letexier will officiate the match between Ecuador and Ivory Coast on the opening matchday of Group E at the 2026 World Cup. The French referee replaces English official Michael Oliver, who was withdrawn due to injury.
The match will be played on Sunday, June 14, 2026 at 18:00 local time in Ecuador (17:00 Philadelphia time / 21:00 Argentina time) at Philadelphia Stadium in Philadelphia, United States. This marks the tournament debut for both national teams.
The 37-year-old referee was born in Bédée, a town in northwestern France, and has been officiating since 2016. He is considered an elite-category FIFA referee with an outstanding international career.
Context for international readers: Letexier represents the new generation of European referees known for their modern officiating style, allowing play to flow while maintaining control. France's referee development program is among the world's most prestigious.
His most notable achievements include:
In the last Ligue 1 season (France's top division), he officiated 18 matches, showing 80 yellow cards and 5 red cards. During the 2025/26 season, he refereed a PSG match where Ecuadorian defender Willian Pacho played without receiving a booking.
| Main Referee | François Letexier (France) |
| Assistant 1 | Cyril Mugnier (France) |
| Assistant 2 | Mehdi Rahmouni (France) |
| Fourth Official | Khalid Alturais (Saudi Arabia) |
| Reserve Assistant | Mohammed Alabakry (Saudi Arabia) |
| VAR | Jarred Gillett |
| Competition | World Cup 2026 - Group E |
| Date | Sunday, June 14, 2026 |
| Local Time (Philadelphia) | 17:00 |
| Ecuador Time | 18:00 |
| Stadium | Philadelphia Stadium |
| City | Philadelphia, USA |
For viewers in Ecuador: The match will be broadcast on Dsports (cable TV) and Teleamazonas (free-to-air). Streaming available on Disney+ Premium and Paramount+.
International viewers: Check local FIFA World Cup broadcast partners for availability in your region.
Group E of the 2026 World Cup consists of Germany, Ecuador, Ivory Coast, and Curacao. According to previous reports, Germany already defeated Curacao 7-1 in their opening match. Ecuador arrives with Sebastián Beccacece as head coach.
About the teams: Ecuador, from South America, brings a dynamic playing style with players like defender Willian Pacho (PSG) and midfielder Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea). Ivory Coast, the African champions, brings physical strength and technical ability. This promises to be an exciting clash between two continents with strong footballing traditions.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
