From Qatar final to Kansas opener: Marciniak in charge of Argentina | OneFootball

FIFA confirmed that Poland’s Szymon Marciniak will be the referee in charge of Argentina’s debut at the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for this Tuesday night against Algeria. It is an appointment with strong historical significance, as he is the same official who oversaw the unforgettable 2022 World Cup final in Qatar between the Albiceleste and France.

The officiating team will be completed by Polish assistants Tomasz Listkiewicz and Adam Kupsik, while Australia’s Campbell-Kirk Kawana Waugh will serve as fourth official and his compatriot Isaac Trevis will be the reserve assistant.

The most recent and glorious precedent with Marciniak dates back to that heart-stopping final in Lusail, which ended 3-3 and was decided in favor of Lionel Scaloni’s side on penalties thanks to a stellar performance by Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez. In that historic match, the 45-year-old referee played a central role by awarding three penalties in total: one for Argentina in the first half and two for France, split between the second half and extra time.

However, this is not the European referee’s only meeting with the national team in World Cup competitions. Marciniak was present in the failed debut at Russia 2018, when the Jorge Sampaoli-led side drew 1-1 with Iceland in a match remembered for the penalty the opposing goalkeeper saved from Lionel Messi. Four years later, he again crossed paths with Argentina during the round of 16 in Qatar 2022, in the 2-1 win over Australia that turned into real suffering in the closing moments after the Oceania side’s goal, caused by an own goal from Lisandro Martínez.

The reunion between the Scaloneta and the referee of the third star will take place this Tuesday at 22:00 (Argentina time), when the world champion begins the defense of its title against Algeria at the imposing Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.