FIFA appoints all-Argentine referees for France-Morocco

FIFA has appointed an all-Argentine officiating team for the highly anticipated World Cup quarterfinal between France and Morocco, scheduled for Thursday, July 9, in Boston. The decision has drawn significant attention and criticism from fans online, coming just days after Argentina’s own controversial victory over Egypt in the round of 16.

Facundo Tello will serve as the match referee, assisted by Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade. Dario Herrera is the fourth official, with Cristian Navarro as the reserve assistant referee. FIFA regulations permit an entire officiating crew to be from the same country provided none are from the nations competing, a practice the governing body says it employs to maintain established teamwork and communication among officials. This match is the first in the 2026 tournament to feature five on-field officials from a single nation.

The appointment has sparked debate due to the intense recent rivalry between Argentina and France, who met in the 2022 World Cup final, and the contentious nature of Argentina’s last match. Argentina advanced to the quarterfinals with a 3-2 comeback win over Egypt on July 7, a match marred by officiating controversy. A...