Clément Turpin ready for third World Cup, wants a tournament defined by wisdom | OneFootball

Clément Turpin and François Letexier addressed the media at Clairefontaine as they prepare to officiate at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July. Turpin is set for his third finals.

According to L'Équipe, refereeing chief Antony Gautier confirmed FIFA’s referees committee has named Willy Delajod as a VAR for the tournament alongside Jérôme Brisard. Turpin will work with assistants Nicolas Danos and Benjamin Pagès, while Letexier will be paired with Cyril Mugnier and Mehdi Rahmouni.

The pair will attend a preparation camp in Miami from 31 May to 10 June with all selected officials. Turpin said the gathering is a chance to get to know colleagues and noted he will become only the second Frenchman to referee at three World Cups after Joël Quiniou, adding he enjoyed Quiniou’s memories of USA 1994 and is not chasing records.

Asked about the prospect of another major final after his 2022 Champions League showpiece, Real Madrid 1-0 Liverpool, Turpin indicated he wants France in the World Cup final even if that limits his chances. Letexier, who handled the Euro 2024 final after France lost 2-1 to Spain, shares that view.

Both support referees being mic’d up across the tournament to explain decisions following VAR interventions. Turpin highlighted the value of shared experience with his team, including Brisard, saying their broader bank of scenarios should help, and he aims to approach the event with greater calm than in 2018 and 2022.

Source: L'Équipe