FIFA’s all-Argentine officiating team for the Morocco-France quarter-final raises concerns on both sides

 

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FIFA’s decision to appoint an entirely Argentine officiating team for Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final between Morocco and France has sparked widespread debate online, with fans from both sides criticizing the choice.

The match will be officiated by Argentine referee Facundo Tello, who is known for his strict approach.

He will be assisted by Juan Pablo Belatti and Gabriel Chade, while Dario Herrera will serve as the fourth official and Cristian Navarro as the video assistant referee (VAR).

A Morocco-based football account on X questioned this choice, pointing to FIFA’s decision to assign a French referee to Argentina’s Round of 16 win over Egypt.

“I need an answer to this. All we want is fair refereeing,” the user wrote, recalling Morocco’s controversial 2022 World Cup semi-final defeat to France, when the Atlas Lions were denied a penalty.

The news also sparked concerns among French fans and the media, given the tensions between France and Argentina since the 2022 World Cup final.

One user claimed France would receive a red card and penalties would not be awarded, adding that, “given the history between the two countries, it was inconceivable for FIFA to appoint an Argentine officiating team for the match.”

French players, however, downplayed any concerns over FIFA’s appointment of an all-Argentine officiating team.

Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta said it “changes absolutely nothing,” according to local media.

“We’re going to play, prepare well, and it’ll be fine,” he told reporters.

Third-choice goalkeeper Robin Risser also rejected the concerns.

“We shouldn’t fall into paranoia. There’s been some bitterness since the last final, but these referees are here because they’re good enough for this competition,” he said.

“We have to focus on what we can control. That’s what we need to do to reach the next round,” Risser emphasized.

Defender Dayot Upamecano said the team’s focus remains on the Atlas Lions, not the identity of the referee.

The appointment also comes amid online claims that the World Cup has been fixed in favor of Lionel Messi’s Argentina following the team’s controversial win over Egypt.

After Egypt’s elimination, forward Mostafa Ziko criticized the officiating, saying, “it’s clear this tournament has been fixed, and the referee was really not fair.”

“All Argentine referees for a France match. FIFA is trying everything to rig the World Cup for Argentina once again,” one X user wrote.