English referees ‘not appointed’ to Argentina matches at World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

According to The Athletic, English referees are not appointed to Argentina matches at the World Cup, with FIFA considering geopolitical factors linked to the Falklands War.

On Tuesday, François Letexier refereed Argentina’s 3-2 last 16 victory over Egypt. Despite the sporting rivalry with France, that assignment caused no issue. An English official, however, would not have been eligible to take charge of Lionel Messi and his team.

The 1982 conflict between the United Kingdom and Argentina over the Falkland Islands lasted 74 days, ending in a British victory. It left 649 Argentine service personnel, 255 from the UK and three civilians dead. The legacy remains sensitive in Argentina.

When making World Cup appointments, FIFA assesses sporting criteria as well as geopolitics. As a result, English referees are not selected for Argentina matches, and Argentine officials are not assigned to England.

Anthony Taylor was said to be in contention to referee the 2022 final in Qatar, but could not because it featured Argentina against France.

Referees are also barred from officiating their own national team, and from group games whose outcomes could directly affect it. A team led by Pierluigi Collina at FIFA decides each appointment.

Source: L'Équipe