08/07/2026 07:55 - Deportes
FIFA has appointed Argentine referee Facundo Tello to officiate the crucial 2026 World Cup Quarter-Final match between France and Morocco. This exciting news was highlighted by the Argentine Football Association (AFA), celebrating the global recognition of South American refereeing talent.
One of the most remarkable aspects of this appointment is that the entire officiating crew will be Argentine, including assistant referees, the fourth official, and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) team. This decision by FIFA underscores the strong confidence in the referees from the South American country on the biggest stage in world football.
To understand the context for international readers, Argentina and France share a fierce rivalry following their unforgettable clash in the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final in Qatar. Because of this history, the announcement has caused a stir in French media. According to the Spanish outlet Diario AS, citing French publication RMC Sport, some local media described the decision as bold and provocative. However, the French squad remains strictly focused on the sport.
French defender Dayot Upamecano stayed focused on the game: "I will not focus on who the referee will be. We haven't done it before and we aren't going to do it now. We will concentrate on Morocco." Meanwhile, third-choice goalkeeper Robin Risser appealed to professionalism: "We must not fall into paranoia. If the referees are here, it is because they are up to the task."
This refereeing assignment comes in a unique context. Just recently, in the Round of 16, Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 on July 7, 2026. That match was officiated by French referee François Letexier. At that time, there were also opinions regarding the referee's nationality, but the match proceeded normally and resulted in a historic comeback for the Argentine national team, securing their spot in the Quarter-Finals.
For Facundo Tello, this will be the first time he officiates a match involving the French national team, a significant challenge that adds to his growing experience in the tournament. France and Morocco, two of the top favorites to lift the trophy, are set to deliver an exciting match where the players' performance will ultimately be the true protagonist.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
