As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the knockout rounds, referee decisions face growing attention. The issue peaked during a Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt, handled by French official Francois Letexier. Although FIFA assigns referees match by match to maintain neutrality, certain pairings are avoided. Argentine officials cannot work games if England advances far, and English referees Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver are similarly restricted if Argentina progresses past Switzerland.
The restriction traces to the 1982 Falklands conflict between the two nations. Englishman Michael Oliver has already officiated seven matches but could miss the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19 if Argentina reaches it.
FIFA continues to select officials based on performance and geopolitical considerations. Referees are also barred from matches involving nations in the same bracket as their home country. English or Norwegian officials, for example, cannot handle the Argentina-Switzerland quarterfinal because the teams could meet later. Argentine referee Facundo Tello was assigned only to quarterfinals in the opposite half of the bracket.
During the Argentina-Egypt match, some Argentina supporters questioned Letexier’s French background, recalling past encounters with France. Egypt’s coach also protested decisions, including a disallowed goal and an unreviewed penalty claim, and received a booking after confronting the referee.
Separately, an all-Argentine officiating crew led by Tello drew criticism for the France-Morocco quarterfinal.
