Key Takeaways:
- FIFA has named a referee team composed entirely of Argentinians for the quarter-final between France and Morocco at Boston Stadium
- This marks the first instance in the current tournament where match officials all hail from the same country
- French players have responded with composure, placing faith in Facundo Tello’s expertise while choosing to focus on the fixture itself
All-Argentine Referees Selected for Quarter-Final Clash
FIFA has taken the step of appointing an all-Argentine officiating crew to oversee France’s upcoming World Cup quarter-final against Morocco. Facundo Tello, aged 44, will take charge of proceedings tomorrow night at Boston Stadium. The selection marks the first occasion in this World Cup where referees and assistants from just one nation have been collectively assigned to a match.
🚨 𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟: There will be FIVE Argentine referees officiating France vs. Morocco. 😱
🇦🇷 Facundo Tello: Referee
🇦🇷 Juan Pablo Belatti: Assistant Referee
🇦🇷 Gabriel Chade: Assistant Referee
🇦🇷 Darío Herrera: Fourth Official
🇦🇷 Cristian Navarro: Reserve Assistant Referee… pic.twitter.com/trXgM6XK6S— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) July 7, 2026
French Response: Focus Remains on Morocco
The decision has prompted some surprise, considering the lingering historical rivalry between Argentina and France following Les Bleus‘ penalty shootout defeat to Lionel Scaloni’s side in the 2022 World Cup final. Despite this context, France’s camp has maintained a measured approach, expressing confidence in Tello’s officiating credentials. “I’m not going to focus on who the referee will be”, Dayot Upamecano said. “We’ve never done that before, we’re going to focus on Morocco.”
Team Unity and Trust in Match Officials
Echoing Upamecano’s sentiment, third-choice goalkeeper Robin Risser also addressed the matter, highlighting the importance of not succumbing to suspicion. “There’s been a certain bitterness for a few years now since the last final, but that’s part of the game. If these referees are there, it’s because they’re up to the level of the competition.”
